Considerations in the specification of AC propulsion equipment for passenger vehicles

Details relative to the specification of state-of-the-art inverter railway propulsion systems and associated AC induction motors are reported, emphasizing the areas which will tend to optimize the utilization of the equipment while minimizing weight and size. Motoring and braking performance of a state-of-the-art transit vehicle propulsion inverter is presented. The impact of wheel diameter wear tolerances on motor current balance and adhesion is described. The selection of substation voltage is discussed in terms of energy recuperation from the AC propulsion system while in the electric braking mode. Finally, some of the issues relative to the selection of a track signaling system that is electromagnetically best suited for use with the AC propelled vehicles are considered