Application of electric traction drive for the modernization of locomotives with hydraulic power transmission

The issue of updating the locomotive fleet of industrial enterprises by modernizing outdated diesel locomotives with hydraulic power transmission was considered. The analysis of existing modernizations shows the possibility of using traction electric drive while preserving the original group drive of wheel pairs. This approach is used by manufacturers when updating outdated and creating new diesel locomotives and traction modules for rolling stock. A possible option is the use of single-motor carts. Previous studies on the choice of the type of wheel pairs drive were analyzed and it was established that the use of a group drive of wheel pairs provides the possibility of realizing high traction forces without additional devices, and the drive itself has a lower cost. This determines the expediency of using a group drive of wheel pairs when modernizing diesel locomotives with hydraulic power transmission. To realize these advantages, it is necessary to use a traction electric drive based on electromechanical alternating current converters. This approach was implemented by Mykolaiv Locomotive Repair Plant LLC during the modernization of TGM6 diesel locomotives. The diesel locomotive is intended for shunting and hauling operations, as a result of which it was assumed during the design that the traction force when moving is equal to 320 kN, the continuous traction force is 300 kN, and the maximum speed is 50 km/h. The power plant consists of a modern Cummins diesel engine and a synchronous generator. A frequency-controlled asynchronous traction electric motor is used to drive the wheel pairs. Power and control of the electric motor is carried out using a voltage inverter. Diesel locomotives use a controlled electric drive of cooling motor-fans, and semiconductor converters are used to power auxiliary systems. The locomotive and its systems are controlled by a microprocessor control system. The application of the traction electric drive based on the asynchronous electric motor provided the estimated efficiency of the diesel locomotive and the efficiency of the diesel power at the nominal power and the estimated speed of the long-term mode, equal to 6 km/h, are 0.312 relative units and 0.69 relative units, respectively. The analysis of ways to improve the traction electric drive to reduce the consumption of fuel and energy resources was carried out. It was determined that the use of a power plant with energy storage and the use of two traction electric motors for the group drive of wheel pairs may be expedient