3-phase asynchronous motors for traction drives on BR

The simplicity and robustness of the three-phase asynchronous motor make it attractive for traction applications. Attempts to use it go back to the turn of the century. It was, however, the appearance of the microprocessor and high-power GTO that made the three-phase package attractive for general applications. British Rail is taking advantage of the benefits of these drives, and the potential problems which they present have been resolved as part of an overall system, interdependent with infrastructure. The author discusses the development of 3-phase traction drives at British Rail and the experience gained