Bi-directional coupled electro-thermal behaviors of traction motor for high-speed railway distributed traction system

This research proposes a bi-directional electromagnetic-thermal coupled analysis model based on node-to-node data transfer for a totally enclosed air over (TEAO) permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) for a high-speed train (HST) distributed traction (DT). The study begins by highlighting the advantages of the DT-HST system and identifying the heat sources within the traction motor based on design requirements. A bi-directional coupled model is then introduced to evaluate the physical performance of the proposed traction motor under various operating conditions, including rated and continuous power ratings. This model combines electromagnetic and thermal models and utilizes node-to-node data transfer to update material characteristics, such as electromagnetic losses and temperature, ensuring accurate predictions of machine performance. The simulation results were used to develop a prototype, which was subsequently tested and compared against the simulation results. The comparison between the bi-directional simulation model and test results demonstrates good agreement in terms of temperature rise. Specifically, for the winding active and end parts, the temperature deviations between the bi-directional simulation and test results were found to be only 0.01%, 1.4%, and 1.7%, 1.8% for continuous and full-rated ratings, respectively. As for the ferromagnetic core, the deviations were 11% and 5.8%. Similarly, the PM temperature recorded by the test setup exhibited deviations of 3.3% and 8.3% compared to the simulation results under continuous and full-rated operations.