Converter for starting motor-generator sets of autonomous locomotives

Objective: To confirm the possibility of using a starting converter to spin up the shaft of the motorgenerator set to a speed that ensures stable combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the motor cylinders (starting), as well as of using semiconductor converters based on modern IGBT modules for starting promising motor-generator sets of mainline and shunting locomotives. Methods: The properties, characteristics, and operating modes of starting converters were studied on test benches. Results: The downsides of the currently most commonly used starter-generator circuit for engine starting have been identified. A technical solution has been developed to replace the startergenerator circuit with an inverter starting system using a starting converter for starting the locomotive motor-generator. The device structure has been designed. The basic algorithms of the automatic control system of the starting converter have been implemented. Bench tests of a starting converter prototype have been carried out. Practical importance: The developed technical solution in terms of replacing the starter-generator circuit with an inverter starting system for starting the motorgenerator set of autonomous locomotives makes it possible to increase their reliability by removing the electromechanical drive and replacing a number of engine drive auxiliary camshaft mechanisms (group 69). The inverter starting system will reduce the maintenance and scheduled repair costs, decrease the labor input, and optimize the time-schedule of locomotives. The proposed algorithms for starting the motor-generator set enable increasing the battery life by limiting its starting current, as well as improving the fault tolerance of a locomotive due to the possibility of starting the motorgenerator set at a low battery voltage (lower limit of 45 V).