Performance comparison of reluctance synchronous and induction traction drives for electrical multiple units

In this paper reluctance synchronous machine and induction machine traction drives are compared at a rated power level of 110 kW. An optimised 110 kW traction IM for electrical multiple units was obtained for this investigation. As a first comparison the same stator is used for both the RSM and the IM. The focus is on the optimum design of the rotor for the RSM and the comparison between the two motors. In the comparison the temperature rise and the torque, efficiency and power factor as functions of speed are investigated. It was found that up to rated speed, the RSM compares favourably with the IM. For the same output power, the input current is the same with about the same efficiency, but 16 K less temperature rise.