Development of an Induction Machine Commutated Thyristor Inverter for Traction Drives

Several designs detailing the construction of brushless cage-rotor induction machines operating at unity or leading power factor at the 35-hp level have recently been published [1]-[3]. The experimental machine combines the torque characteristics of a conventional cage induction machine with the leading power-factor (PF) capability of an overexcited dc field synchronous condenser into one unit using a common cage rotor and a common stator core. The ability of this machine to naturally commutate a high-power current-source thyristor inverter is apparent without any need for capacitors. The preferred adjustable speed propulsion arrangement consists of a mains-fed phase-delay-rectifier (PDR), high-voltage dc link, and a current-source inverter powering a ten-pole traction motor with constant V/Hz control. The drive system provides continuously variable torque during motoring, and regenerative braking modes and specific details are given for a 150-hp cage-rotor traction motor and converter, capable of natural commutation up to 200 Hz, currently under development.