Review and Trends in Traction Motor Design: Electromagnetic and Cooling System Layouts

Abstract

This paper presents a review of the current traction motor topologies available in the railway market in two parts. In the first part, essential aspects of the electromagnetic and thermal design of railway traction motors, e.g. motor sizing, rotor configurations and cooling methods, are discussed. Different topologies are compared considering the wide range of applications. The pros and cons of each topology in specific applications are highlighted based on the corresponding performance requirements. The focus in this paper is placed on the main applications in railway including light rail vehicles, metros, electric multiple units, high speed trains and locomotives. Additionally, trends in traction motors development in the coming decades are reported separately for electromagnetic and cooling designs.