Influence of Electric Traction Drive System Harmonics and Interharmonics on the Vibration of Key Locomotive Components

Abnormal vibration can lead to frequent maintenance requirements of electric locomotives. Many factors contribute to the vibration, and the influence mechanism of pulsating torque generated by interharmonics in the traction drive system (TDS) is not clear at present. In this article, an electromechanical coupling model is developed to investigate the influence of harmonics and interharmonics in the electric TDS on the vibration of key locomotive components. Firstly, this article attempts to analyze the generation mechanisms of interharmonics and their resulting pulsating torque in electric TDS and derives the formulas for calculating interharmonics and pulsating torque frequencies. Then, an electromechanical coupling model is established based on the electric TDS and the multibody dynamics, and the influence of pulsating torque caused by interharmonics on the vibration of the locomotive key components is discussed in detail. It is observed that the locomotive vibrations, especially the longitudinal and vertical vibrations of bogies and wheels, can be significantly influenced by the pulsating torque. It is noticeable that the frequencies of the vibrations are consistent with those of pulsating torque, which proves that electrical parameters can affect the vibrations of key locomotive components. The research of this article provides a new idea for restraining locomotive vibration.

Automated summary

This article investigates the influence of harmonics and interharmonics on the vibration of key locomotive components. It establishes an electromechanical coupling model to analyze the generation mechanisms of interharmonics and their resulting pulsating torque in the electric traction drive system (TDS). The research shows that the vibrations of the locomotive can be significantly influenced by the pulsating torque caused by interharmonics.