Simulation Model of a Direct-Current Electric Locomotive with Commutator Traction Motors

Abstract A dc electric locomotive simulation model is considered that makes it possible to study transient and steady processes and may serve as a basis for the notion of a “digital locomotive” being implemented within the “Digital Railway” project. One of the most popular electric locomotives is selected, which is designed for pulling freight trains along long-distance railways electrified with direct current with a voltage of 3000 V. The electric locomotive model is based on a mathematical model of a collector traction engine. The model takes into account the nonlinearity of the main pole’s magnetic characteristic, as well as the effect of eddy currents in solid magnetic circuit sections on the magnetic flux variation. The model provides a mechanism for regulating motors in the course of investigations in accordance with operating conditions. The processes of resistor starting and voltage regulation by connection to resistors by means of transposition, as well as motor regulation by changing the magnetic flux, are taken into account. The possibility of using the developed model to study the traction substation–traction network–electric rolling stock system, which is determined by different operating modes of the traction network in the process of converting electrical energy into mechanical, is shown. Calculations of various locomotive operating modes in the event of failure in the contact network are carried out.