Traktsioonimootorite

Traktsioonimootorid are electric motors specifically designed to provide propulsion in vehicles such as trains, trams, trolleybuses, and electric cars. These motors are responsible for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy, which then turns the wheels of the vehicle. The fundamental principle behind their operation is electromagnetism, where the interaction between magnetic fields and electric currents generates a force that produces rotational motion.

There are several types of traktsioonimootorid, with the most common being DC (direct current) motors and AC (alternating current) motors. DC motors were historically prevalent, often using a commutator to switch the direction of current in the armature windings, thereby maintaining continuous rotation. AC motors, particularly induction motors and synchronous motors, have become increasingly popular due to their robustness, lower maintenance requirements, and better efficiency, especially when paired with modern power electronic controllers that allow for precise speed and torque regulation.

The design of traktsioonimootorid emphasizes high torque at low speeds, essential for accelerating heavy vehicles from a standstill and for climbing gradients. They also need to be compact and durable to withstand the harsh operating conditions of public transport and freight hauling, which can include vibrations, dust, and extreme temperatures. Regenerative braking is a significant feature often integrated with traktsioonimootorid, allowing them to act as generators during deceleration, converting kinetic energy back into electrical energy to recharge batteries or feed back into the power grid. This contributes to increased energy efficiency and reduced wear on mechanical braking systems.