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Lecture 1 Introduction To Traction Systems

This document provides an overview of different traction systems used for rail motive power, including electric traction, diesel-electric traction, and steam driving. It defines traction systems and classifies them as either electric or non-electric. Electric traction can be self-contained or fed from distribution networks. Diesel-electric trains use a diesel engine to power a generator and feed electric motors. Steam-electric drives use a steam turbine to power a generator. While electric traction has advantages like cleanliness and regenerative braking, it also has high installation costs. Diesel traction has lower initial costs but is limited to non-electrified routes. Steam traction has a simple design but low efficiency.

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169 views12 pages

Lecture 1 Introduction To Traction Systems

This document provides an overview of different traction systems used for rail motive power, including electric traction, diesel-electric traction, and steam driving. It defines traction systems and classifies them as either electric or non-electric. Electric traction can be self-contained or fed from distribution networks. Diesel-electric trains use a diesel engine to power a generator and feed electric motors. Steam-electric drives use a steam turbine to power a generator. While electric traction has advantages like cleanliness and regenerative braking, it also has high installation costs. Diesel traction has lower initial costs but is limited to non-electrified routes. Steam traction has a simple design but low efficiency.

Uploaded by

Maalmalan Keekiyyaa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Rail Motive Power (REGM-6008)

Lecture 1

Introduction to Traction

Kiros Tesfay

Email: [email protected]
African Railway Center of Excellence
Addis Ababa Institute of Technology
Addis Ababa University
1
Outline

• Introduction to traction systems


• Types of traction system
• Comparison and applicability of different traction systems
(electric traction, diesel electric traction, steam driving )

2
Introduction to traction systems

 The system that causes the propulsion of a vehicle in which that


driving force or tractive force is obtained from various devices such
as:
 electric motors
 steam engine drives
 diesel engine dives, etc.

 is known as traction system.


 Traction system may be broadly classified into two types.
 They are electric traction systems, which use electrical energy, and
 non-electric traction system, which does not use electrical energy for
the propulsion of vehicle.
3
Introduction to traction systems
 No single traction system fulfills the requirements of ideal traction
system, why?
 Because each traction system has its merits and demerits, in the
fields of applications.
 The requirements of ideal traction systems are:
 Ideal traction system should have the capability of developing high tractive effort in
order to have rapid acceleration.
 The speed control of the traction motors should be easy.
 Vehicles should be able to run on any route, without interruption.
 Equipment required for traction system should be minimum with high efficiency.
 It must be free from smoke, ash, dirt, etc.
 Regenerative braking should be possible and braking should be in such a way to cause
minimum wear on the break shoe.
 Locomotive should be self-contained and it must be capable of withstanding
overloads.
 Interference to the communication lines should be eliminated while the locomotive
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running along the track.
Types of traction system

 Traction system is normally classified into two types based on the


type of energy given as input to drive the system and they are:
1. Non-electric traction system
 Traction system develops the necessary propelling torque, which do
not involve the use of electrical energy at any stage to drive the
traction vehicle known as traction system.
 Ex: Direct steam engine drive and
 Direct internal combustion engine drive.

2. Electric traction system


 Traction system develops the necessary propelling torque, which
involves the use of electrical energy at any stage to drive the
traction
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vehicle, known as electric traction system.
Types of traction system

 Based upon the type of sources used to feed electric supply for
traction system, electric traction may be classified into two groups:
 Self-contained locomotives
 Electric vehicle fed from the distribution networks.
Self-contained locomotives
 In this type, the locomotives or vehicles themselves having a
capability of generating electrical energy for traction purpose.
Examples for such type of locomotives are:
1. Steam electric drive
 In steam electric locomotives, the steam turbine is employed for
driving a generator used to feed the electric motors.
 Such types of locomotives are not generally used for traction
because
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of some mechanical difficulties and maintenance problems.
Types of traction system

2. Diesel electric trains


A few locomotives employing diesel engine coupled to DC generator
used to feed the electric motors producing necessary propelling
torque.
Diesel engine is a variable high-speed type that feeds the self- or
separately excited DC generator.
The excitation for generator can be supplied from any auxiliary
devices and battery.

7
Comparison and applicability of different traction systems
(electric traction, diesel electric traction, steam driving )

Electric Traction
Electric traction system has many advantages compared to non-
electric traction systems.
Advantages of Electric Traction
The following are the advantages of electric traction:
Electric traction system is more clean and easy to handle.
No need of storage of coal and water that in turn reduces the maintenance cost
as well as the saving of high-grade coal.
Electric energy drawn from the supply distribution system is sufficient to
maintain the common necessities of locomotives such as fans and lights; therefore,
there is no need of providing additional generators.
The maintenance and running costs are comparatively low.
The speed control of the electric motor is easy.
8
Comparison and applicability of different traction systems
(electric traction, diesel electric traction, steam driving )

 Regenerative braking is possible so that the energy can be fed back to the supply
system during the braking period.
 In electric traction system, in addition to the mechanical braking, electrical braking
can also be used that reduces the wear on the brake shoes, wheels, etc.
 Electrically operated vehicles can withstand for overloads, as the system is capable of
drawing more energy from the system.
Disadvantages of Electric Traction
 The following are the disadvantages of electric traction:
 Electric traction system involves high erection cost of power system.
 Interference causes to the communication lines due to the overhead distribution
networks.
 The failure of power supply brings whole traction system to stand still.
 In an electric traction system, the electrically operated vehicles have to move only on
the electrified routes.
 Additional equipment should be needed for the provision of regenerative braking, it
9 will increase the overall cost of installation.
Comparison and applicability of different traction systems
(electric traction, diesel electric traction, steam driving )

Diesel Electric Traction


Diesel traction system is suggested in the areas where coal and steam
tractions are not available.
Advantages of Diesel Traction
The advantages and disadvantages of the diesel engine drive are
given below:
As these are no overhead distribution system, initial cost is low.
Easy speed control is possible.
Power loss in speed control is very low
Time taken to bring the locomotive into service is less.
In this system, high acceleration and braking retardation can be obtained
compared to steam locomotives.
The overall efficiency is high compared to steam locomotives.
10
Comparison and applicability of different traction systems
(electric traction, diesel electric traction, steam driving )

Steam Electric Traction


Steam locomotive is still the most widely adopted means of
propulsion for railway work.
Advantages of Steam Traction
Simple design, simplified maintenance
Low initial cost
connection between its cylinders and the driving wheels is simple.
Easy speed control
Disadvantages of Steam Traction
Low thermal efficiency of steam engine
Limited overload capacity

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Thank you!!!

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