LINEAR-INDUCTION-MOTOR PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR HIGH-SPEED GROUND VEHICLES

The design and development status of a linear-induction-motor propulsion system intended for use on high-speed ground vehicles is described. Two programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of transportation are mentioned. In the first program, a linear-induction-motor research vehicle (LIMRV) was developed. The primary components of the LIMRV are 1) a vehicle body supported and guided by steel wheels riding on a standard-gauge railroad track, 2) an 1860-kW (2500-hp) linear-induction motor (LIM) capable of a speed of 400 km/h (250 mi/h), and 3) an onboard power source comprising a 2230-kW (3,000-hp) free-spool gas turbine and variable-frequency 3,000-kVA alternator. In the second program, a tracked air-cusion research vehicle (TACRV) system is being developed. The primary components of the TACRV are 1) a vehicle supported and guided by air cushions riding in a special guideway, 2) a 7460-kW (10,000-hp) linear-induction-motor propulsion system (LIMPS) capable of a speed of 480 km/h (300 mi/h), and 8-kV wayside electrical power distribution and collection system. Initial aeropropulsion tests of the TACRV began in late 1972. Installation of the electrical propulsion system in the vehicle is planned for 1973. The design and development status of the electrical propulsion system to be used in the 480-km/h (300-mi/h) TACRV is described in this paper. The propulsion system comprises two thrust modules, each module including a power conditioning unit (PCU) utilizing solid-state power converter components and a synchronous condenser (SC); a LIM; and associated instrumentation, control, and cooling subsystems installed in the vehicle. In operation, 60-Hz wayside power is converted by the PCU to a variable-voltage variable-frequency output for the LIM. By controlling the output of the PCU, the thrust from the LIM is smoothly varied during vehicle acceleration, cruise, reverse, and braking modes.

• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

  3 Park Avenue, 17th Floor
  New York, NY  United States  10016-5997
• Authors:
  • Donnan, J H
  • Day, R N
  • Kalman, G P
• Conference:
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engrs Proc
• Publication Date: 1973-5

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 621-630
• Serial:
  • Volume: 61
  • Issue Number: 5

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Intelligent transportation systems; Linear induction motors; Tracked air cushion vehicles
• Old TRIS Terms: Advanced systems
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00050037
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 4 1974 12:00AM