Temperature calculation for linear induction motor in transport application with multiphysics approach

Abstract

The article describes the implementation of the mathematical model of the interrelated electromechanical and thermal processes in a linear induction motor using simulation software MATLAB-Simulink. The developed model consists of electromechanical model, thermal model and cooling system (hydraulic) model which all affect each other. Temperature calculations of the traction single-sided linear induction motor for urban transportation system are performed for different regimes. The calculation results using the developed thermal model based on the thermal detailed equivalent circuit demonstrate a close concurrence with the finite element model, temperature values differ less than in 3.8-4.8%. Safe operation range for a traction linear induction motor was determined taking into account the uneven longitudinal heating using different variants of cooling systems and coolant flow values. Recommendations on their selection were formulated. Based on the calculations and following experimental testing it was determined that operation with the maximum load with current of 270 A and load force of 8,000 N is possible with the cooling air flow rate of at least 2.2 m3/s. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.