The exergetic and environmental impact assessment of underground electric train braking

Abstract

Within the present industrial society, some of the greatest challenges of humanity are related to achieving a sustainable industrial metabolism, which integrates technical activity and ecological systems. Electric traction drive systems using induction motors fed by variable voltage variable frequency (VVVF) inverters have provided high performance for urban electric trains. Moreover, power converter technology based on advanced techniques in control electronics and efficient anti-slip systems allows optimum traction characteristics and minimum energy consumption. For underground electric trains, however, it is also important to assess the environmental impact of braking. From the viewpoint of exergy and environment, the braking regime, particularly electric braking, is a special aspect of non-autonomous vehicles using electric traction. As electric drive systems are used with VVVF inverters and traction induction motors, these machines with appropriate controls can realize both traction and electric braking regimes for electric traction vehicles. Concerns regarding mechanical braking are associated with unrecovered energy and material utilization. Also, for underground electric trains during mechanical braking, the abnormal but frequent situation involving the unequal charge of the traction induction motors is a concern. These aspects of underground electric trains are analysed in this article so as to assist in improving performance.

Keywords

braking regime electric train induction machine underground railway system

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