A Brief about Traction Motors

Being an electric motor, the traction motor is used for the propulsion of vehicles like hydrogen or electric vehicles, locomotives, etc. Finding use in electrically powered rail vehicles, traction motors are also utilised in other electric vehicles such as elevators, conveyors, trolleybuses, roller coasters, etc. Even battery electric vehicles and vehicles with electrical transmission systems (electric hybrid vehicles, diesel-electric locomotives) use traction motors.

The oldest type of traction motor is a direct-current motor which contains series field windings. Today, there are several traction motor manufacturers in India offering various types of products, which makes it easier to find the right type of motor for your application. Here is some more information about traction motors:

What is a Traction Motor?

Traction motors generate power that helps in the rotation of the wheels of a train. These motors generate a turning force that transfers to the wheels with the help of driving gear unit and axle.

Mechanical Features

Here are two of the many mechanical features of a traction motor:

• A traction motor should be robust and should have the ability to withstand constant vibration.
• The traction motor’s weight should be low so as to increase the vehicle’s payload capacity.

Electrical Characteristics

Here are the main electrical characteristics that a traction motor should show:

• Able to develop high starting torque: A traction motor should be able to develop high starting torque, particularly when the train has to accelerate at a rate that is reasonably high. 
• Able to withstand voltage fluctuations: Traction motors should have the capability to endure fluctuations in supply voltage without any undue impact on the performance. This is because when it comes to traction work, rapid voltage fluctuation because of heavy current inrush in the beginning is very common.
• Overload capacity: As a traction motor is subjected to arduous duty, it should be able to take the excessive load.
• Should have the capability to withstand temporary supply interruptions: A traction motor should be able to withstand temporary supply interruptions without an unwarranted current rush.

Given the numerous benefits traction motors provide, they find numerous applications in this day and age.