LIM propulsion system development for transit

The Urban Transportation Development (UTDC) Corporation has developed an Intermediate Capacity Transit System (ICTS). The concept is based on steel-wheel on steel-rail for suspension and guidance, four steerable axles in two trucks, linear induction motors for propulsion, moving-block automatic train control, and elevated guideway. The technologies were chosen to provide a quiet, environmentally asthetic, comfortable ride, frequent service and medium capacity. The usual transit requirements for safety, reliability and maintainability were principal design influences. The concurrent requirements of frequent service, intermediate capacity (12-20,000 pphpd) and demand responsive service lead to the need for adhesion independent braking. Short station lengths and short by-pass guideway sections require maintaining high acceleration levels to 60% of top speed. Only a linear induction motor satisfied the conceptual requirements. The work of analysis, design, manufacture and test have followed the selection of a LIM as the prime-mover of the ICTS vehicles. This paper reports the findings of the vehicle testing of the LIM.