Taking Traction Control to Task: High-Adhesion-Point Tracking Based on a Disturbance Observer in Railway Vehicles

Railway vehicles have been based on a wheel-rail system since the system's origination. Therefore, the adhesion-coupling behavior between wheel and rail is the fundamental element of railway traction [1]. However, low vehicle wheel-rail adhesion caused by high humidity, rain, snow, oil, or decomposing leaves is a common problem that can cause damage to some elements of the traction system and decrease traction performance [2]. It may even give rise to safety problems and reduce comfort, not to mention delays and their corresponding economic impact. Good traction control to ensure the system is working at high adhesion point is therefore critical and mandatory for the traction control units (TCUs) [2]-[6].