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EE6801 – Electrical Energy Generation, Utilization and Conservation

Unit I Electric Drives and Traction

1. State the assumptions to be made in approximating trapezoidal speed time curve.

(Nov/Dec 2012 : R-2007)
The following assumptions are made to simplify the trapezoidal speed time curve:
i. The acceleration and retardation periods of the simplified curve is kept same as to that
of actual curve.
ii. The running and coasting periods of the actual speed-time curve are replaced by the
constant periods

2. What are the advantages of pantograph current collector? (Nov/Dec 2012 : R-2007)
(Nov/Dec 2018: R-2013)
The advantages of pantograph collectors are listed below:
i. It can operate in either direction of motion.
ii. There is no risk of leaving wire junction etc.
iii. The erection of the overhead network is very simple due to absence of points and
grooved crossings required for bows.
iv. Its height can be varied from the drivers’ cabin by carrying out simple operations.

3. What are the advantages of electric tractions? (Nov/Dec 2012 : R-2008) (May/June
2013: R-2008) (Nov/Dec 2015: R-2008) (Nov/Dec 2016: R-2008)
As compared to steam or diesel locomotives, electric traction has the following advantages:
i. Cleanliness
ii. Lesser maintenance cost
iii. Very short starting time
iv. High starting torque
v. Immediate, stable and regenerative braking is possible.
vi. Absence of unbalanced forces.
vii. Better coefficient of adhesion.

4. Mention the methods of braking in electric train. (Nov/Dec 2012 : R-2008) (Nov/Dec
2016: R-2008)
There are three electric braking methods are applied:
i. Plugging or reverse current braking
ii. Rhoestatic braking
iii. Regenerative braking

5. What is meant by electrical braking? (May/June 2013: R-2008) (Nov/Dec 2015: R-2008)
Electrical Braking is usually employed in applications to stop a unit driven by motors in an
exact position or to have the speed of the driven unit suitably controlled during its deceleration.
Electrical braking is used in applications where frequent, quick, accurate or emergency stops are
required. Electrical Braking allows smooth stops without any inconvenience to passengers.

Dr.K.Rajkumar, AP/EEE, Saranathan College of Engineering, Trichy

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6. Define coefficient of adhesion. (May/June 2013: R-2007). (Apr 2014: R-2008) (Apr/May
2015: R-2008)
Coefficient of Adhesion in Traction (μa), provides a quantitative measure of the tendency of
wheels to slip and is defined as:
Max. Tractive effort that can be applied without slipping of wheels
Coefficien t of adhesion, a 
Weight on the driving axles

7. List different types of current collectors used in electric traction. (May/June 2013: R-
2007).
Types of current collectors used in electric traction are,
i. Trolley collector
ii. Bow collector
iii. Pantograph collector

8. Define schedule speed of train. (Nov/Dec 2013: R-2008) (Apr/May 2017:R-2008)

The ratio of distance covered between two stops and total time of run including time of stop is
known as schedule speed.
Distance between stops in km
Schedule speed 
Actual time of run in Hrs  Stop time in Hrs
The schedule speed is always smaller than the average speed. The difference is large in case of
urban and suburban services and is negligibly small in case of main line service.

9. What are the requirements of ideal tractions system? (Nov/Dec 2013: R-2008) (Apr/May
2017:R-2008)
The requirements of an ideal traction system are as follows
 The starting tractive effort should be high so as to have rapid acceleration.
 The wear on the track should be minimum.
 Pollution free
 Speed control should be easy.
 The equipment should be capable of withstanding large temporary loads.
 Low initial and maintenance cost.
 There should be no interference to the communication lines running along the lines.
 Braking should be such that minimum wear is caused on the brake shoes.

10. List two merits of series parallel starting of traction motors. (Nov/Dec. 2014: R-2008)
i. Increased efficiency than plain rheostatic starting.
ii. More than one economical speed is possible without wasting energy.

11. Why three phase traction system employing induction motors is now obsolete? .
(Nov/Dec. 2014: R-2008) (or) Three phase systems could not become popular for traction
purposes. Why? (Nov/Dec 2015: R-2010)
Three phase traction system became obsolete due to the following reasons:
i. The overhead contact wire system becomes complicated at crossings and junctions.
ii. Constant speed characteristics of induction motors are not suitable for traction work.

Dr.K.Rajkumar, AP/EEE, Saranathan College of Engineering, Trichy

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iii. Induction motors have speed/torque characteristics similar to DC shunt motors. Hence,
they are not suitable for parallel operation because, even in little difference in rotational
speeds caused by unequal diameters of the wheels, motors will becomes loaded very
unevenly.

12. What are the applications of traction motors? (Apr 2014: R-2008) ( Apr/May 2015: R-
2008)
i. Electric locomotives
ii. Tram buses
iii. Electric Vehicles.

13. Define specific energy consumption and discuss the factors which affect the specific
energy consumption. (Apr/May 2015 : R-2010)
Total energy consumption in Wh
Specific Energy Consumption 
Train weig ht in tonnes  Distance covered in km
The SEC is affected by (1) acceleration of the train, (2) overcoming gradient, and (3)
overcoming train resistance.

14. Give the expression for total tractive effort. (Nov/Dec. 2016 ; R- 2010)
Total Tractive effort, Ft= (277.8We98.1WG+Wr) Newtons

15. What are the recent trends in electric traction? (Nov/Dec. 2016 ; R- 2010)
i. Three phase AC Traction
ii. AC propulsion drives as a part of a transit system.
iii. The class EA locomotives

16. Define average speed and schedule speed. (Apr/May 2018)

Average speed is the ratio of distance between two consecutive stations to time taken to travel
the distance.
Distance between stops in km
Average speed 
Actual time of run in Hrs
Scheduled speed is the ratio of distance between two consecutive stations to total time taken for
moving including the time for stops.
Distance between stops in km
Schedule speed 
Actual time of run in Hrs  Stop time in Hrs

17. Define electric drive. (Apr/May 2018)

A traction system is that which involves propulsion of wheels of vehical on a track. A traction
systems involving the use of electricity is known as “Electrical Traction System”. In electric
traction drive, drive is mainly by electric motors ( dc series motors) which are fed from over
head distribution system generally.

Dr.K.Rajkumar, AP/EEE, Saranathan College of Engineering, Trichy

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20. What are the factors governing schedule speed of a train? (Apr 2016 : R-2010)
The schedule speed of a given train when running on a given servicJe (i.e., with a given distance
between stations) is affected by the following factors:
a. Acceleration and braking retardation.
b. Maximum or crest speed.
c. Duration of stop.

21. Draw the speed torque characteristics of an ideal traction system drive. (Apr 2016 : R-
2010)

22. Suggest suitable drives for lifts and cranes. (Apr/May 2017: R-2013)
Motors suitable for lifts and cranes are,
i. DC Series motor
ii. Three phase slipring induction motor
iii. Double cage induction motor

23. What are the merits and demerits of DC system of track electrification? (Apr/May
2017: R-2013)
Advantages:
i. DC motors are btter suited for frequent and rapid acceleration tof heavy trains than ac
motors.
ii. DC train equipment is lighter, less costly and more efficient than similar ac equipment.
iii. When operating under similar service conditions, dc train consumes less energy than a
1-phase ac train.
iv. The conductor rail for DC distribution system is less costly, both initially and in
maintenance than the high voltage overhead ac distributed system.
v. DC system causes no electrical interference with overhead communication lines.
Disadvantage:
i. DC system is necessity of locating ac/dc conversion sub-stations at relatively short
distances apart.

24. Define gear ratio. (Nov/Dec 2017: R-2013)

The gear ratio is the ratio of the number of teeth in the gear to the number of teeth in the pinion,
the pinion being the smaller of the two gears in mesh.

25. Write the different types of electric drives. (Nov/Dec 2018: R-2013)
Usually, the electric drives are classified into three types such as
i. group drive,

Dr.K.Rajkumar, AP/EEE, Saranathan College of Engineering, Trichy

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ii. individual drive, and

iii. multi-motor drive.
Additionally, these drives are further categorized based on the different parameters which are
discussed below.
 Electrical Drives are classified into two types based on supply namely
a. AC drives
b. DC drives.
 Electrical Drives are classified into two types based on running speed namely
a. Constant speed drives
b. Adjustable speed drives.
 Electrical Drives are classified into two types based on control parameter namely
a. stable torque drives
b. stable power drives.

26. List the factors to be considered for the selection of electric drives. (Apr/May 2019)
Choice of an electric drive depends on a number of factors. Some of the important factors are.
i. Steady State Operating conditions requirements:
o Nature of speed torque characteristics, speed regulation, speed range, efficiency,
duty cycle, quadrants of operation, speed fluctuations if any, ratings etc
ii. Transient operation requirements:
o Values of acceleration and deceleration, starting, braking and reversing
performance.
iii. Requirements related to the source:
o Types of source and its capacity, magnitude of voltage, voltage fluctuations,
powerfactor, harmonics and their effect on other loads, ability to accept
regenerative power
iv. Capital and running cost, maintenance needs life.
v. Space and weight restriction if any.
vi. Environment and location.
vii. Reliability.

27. What are the various speed control methods of three phase induction motor ? .
(Apr/May 2019)
i. Variable voltage constant frequency: This is known as stator voltage control. At
constant frequency the voltage tp the stator pf the induction motor is changed.
ii. Variable frequency control: In this method the frequency of stator voltage is varied,
while varying the voltage of frequency.
iii. Slip power recovery: In this method, the power at slip frequency is recovered by using
semiconductor power circuit connected to the rotor terminals.

28. Define dead weight.

It is the gross weight of the train including locomotive to be moved on the rail track.
The dead weight of the train comprises of

Dr.K.Rajkumar, AP/EEE, Saranathan College of Engineering, Trichy

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o The weight which has linear acceleration and

o The weight which has angular acceleration

29. What is tractive effort?

It is an effective force on the wheel of a locomotive which is required for its propulsion.
The tractive effort is a vector quantity and it is tangential to wheel. It is measured in newtons.

30. What are the mechanical characteristics of traction motor?

o As the motor has to withstand the vibrations continuously the motor should be robust.
o The motor should have minimum possible weight.

Test Pattern:
PART A : 15 × 2 = 30
PART B : 10 × 2 = 20 (Problems on Speed-time curves and Specific energy consumption)

Dr.K.Rajkumar, AP/EEE, Saranathan College of Engineering, Trichy