In this article, we will take a look at the various methods used for starting and controlling the speed of DC series motors.Rheostatic ControlThe basic traction motor circuit with rheostatic starting is shown in the figure below.A DC series motor can be started by connecting an external resistance in series ... Read More

In electric traction, the control equipment is required for −Connecting the motors to the supply mains without taking excessive current at start and provide smooth acceleration without causing sudden shock so as to avoid damage to the coupling.Adjusting the speed as per requirement.Providing rheostatic or regenerative braking.The master controller system ... Read More

Mechanical BrakingFor stopping the electric train and holding it stationary, in addition to the electric brakes, the mechanical brakes are also required. The mechanical braking is required because the electric braking is unable to hold the train at standstill.In modern electric locomotives, the regenerative braking is employed down to a ... Read More

What is a Traction Substation?An electric substation which converts electric power from the form provided by the electric utility company to an appropriate voltage, current and frequency to supply railways and other electric traction systems is known as a traction substation.Major Equipment of Traction SubstationThe main equipment which are provided ... Read More

This article explains the phenomenon of interference with the communication systems caused by the electric power lines employed for traction purposes. The phenomenon which modifies a signal in a disruptive manner, when the signal travels along a communication channel between its transmitter and receiver is known as interference in the ... Read More

Linear Induction MotorA linear induction motor is a special type of induction motor that gives linear motion instead of rotational motion, as in the case of a conventional motion. In case of linear induction motor, the movement of field and movement of the conductors are linear.Construction and Working of Linear ... Read More

Many single phase AC motors have been developed for traction purposes but only compensated series type commutator motor is found to be best suited for traction services. Practically, the AC series motor is best suited for traction purpose because of high-starting torque.When DC series motor is fed from AC supply, ... Read More

A DC series motor has the following characteristics that make it suitable for traction work −DC series motors develop high starting torque which is required for traction purpose.DC series motors produce high starting torque at low speeds and low torque at high speeds.The speed of a DC series motor can ... Read More

The circuit diagram of the buck and boost method of speed control of traction motors is shown in the figure.There are two traction motors viz. traction motor-I and traction motor-II. In this method of speed control, the armature of both the traction motors I and II and the motor-generator set ... Read More

In addition to the main traction motors, the following additional equipment are required to be installed on an electric locomotive engine −Motor-Generator SetBatteryPantograph Operating EquipmentAir CompressorTraction Motor BlowersHeating EquipmentLet's check the functions of each of these equipment in detail.Motor–Generator SetThe motor-generator set used in the electric locomotives is of the ... Read More