Pioneering the Application of High Speed Rail Express Trainsets in ...

CHAPTER 6 TRACTION AND ELECTRICAL
SYSTEMS
The two classifications of traction power configurations for high speed trainsets are concentrated
and distributed. A concentrated-power configuration has a power car on each
end of the trainset and non-powered intermediate coaches. Examples include Alstom's TGV
single-level and Duplex trainsets and Hyundai-Rotem's KTX-II trainsets. Benefits of concentrated
power include the simplified design of the traction systems and improved maintainability
because the traction equipment is contained in the end units of the trainset.
A distributed-power configuration spreads the traction equipment throughout the trainset.
Examples include Alstom's AGV trainsets, China’s CRH trainsets, Siemens' ICE and Velaro
trainsets, and Japan’s Shinkansen trainsets. Benefits of distributed power include better performance
in terms of adhesion and acceleration, improved weight distribution, and increased
capacity because passengers can occupy the end cars.
6.1 TRACTION SYSTEM OVERVIEWS
6.1.1 Alstom
Alstom’s portfolio of very high speed trains includes the concentrated-power TGV singlelevel
and Duplex trainsets, and the distributed-power AGV. The trainsets are based on a 656-
foot (200-m) length configured as follows:
• TGV (concentrated): The main transformer and two traction units are located in
each power car. Each traction unit drives two asynchronous motors (ASM). There are
eight motors per train. Each power car has one auxiliary block that supplies power
to a battery charger and a three-phase inverter via a 530 V DC trainline. The inverter
outputs three-phase 380 V AC, 50 Hz.
• AGV (distributed): A 656-foot (200-m) AGV trainset has three triplets, each comprised
of a lead car and two trailer cars. One main transformer is located in each
leading car. Each of the second and third trailer cars has one traction unit. Each
traction unit drives two permanent magnet motors (PMM), with there being twelve
motors per train. 1 The AGV has six auxiliary units, each feeding a 300 kVA auxiliary
network. In the event that one inverter fails, that inverter can be isolated and the train
can continue with the remaining units.
Traction Motors. Alstom has developed four generations of traction motors (Figure
6.1). The fourth, the PMM, has resulted in significant weight savings. It has a rated power
of 1,073 hp (800 kW), a weight of 1,693 lb m (768 kg), and a maximum rotational frequency of
4,570 rpm.
The PMM consists of glued magnets on the rotor and a wound stator. The motor is
completely sealed and is autoventilated. The cooling air ducts are designed into the stator.
1 A variation of this configuration was designed for the AGV trainsets being delivered to NTV, which have only
five traction units and ten PMMs because of a 186 mph (300 km/h) maximum operating speed limit.
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