A Simulation-Based Design Study for a Locomotive Electric Power System

This paper presents a model and simulation for a conceptual locomotive power system consisting of a gas turbine driven synchronous alternator coupled to a rectifier - dc link - variable frequency inverter configuration. This system drives four induction traction motors and is integrated with a flywheel energy storage system (FESS). Such a system is meant to meet demands for rapid acceleration, speed maintenance on grades, recovery of braking energy and overall improved fuel efficiency. This system is under investigation at the Center for Electromechanics (CEM) at the University of Texas at Austin as part of its Advanced Locomotive Propulsion System (ALPS) project. In this paper, a modular, system level simulation of the ALPS prototype is presented, with emphasis placed on the use of power flow management.