A novel four quadrant DC series motor control drive for traction applications

Abstract

DC series motor has been the most used solution for the traction of locomotives, trolleybuses, trams and others, characterized by a speed and torque control using additional resistances, which means a low efficiency, electromechanical contactors, high maintenance costs, dynamic braking in resistances. In this paper a novel 4 quadrant full control for DC series motor drive is presented. A prototype was designed using IGBTs and it was tested at the Metro workshop. It is a very good solution for re-visiting and improvement of old drives that uses DC motors. The proposed drive is supported by a USA patent, obtained in 2007(US 7.274.865).