Investigation of Linear Synchronous Reluctance Motor for Urban Rail Transit

The long stator of linear synchronous reluctance motor (LSynRM) consists only of low-cost permeable material. Hence, LSynRM has a good application prospect in long-distance drive systems. What about the electromagnetic performance of LSynRM under the constraints of installation size of rail transit? What are the advantages of LSynRM compared with the existing linear induction motor (LIM)? Research is non-existent in academic circles. The purpose of this study is to compare LSynRM with LIM used in rail transit and give a comprehensive evaluation. First, a LIM used in Guangzhou Metro was analysed. Second, the working principle of LSynRM was analysed, and the selection principles of key parameters were determined. On this basis, the relevant parameters were optimized by using two-dimensional finite-element analysis (FEA) software. Then, the output characteristics of LIM and LSynRM were compared. The influence of ferrite on LSynRM was explored in view of the low power factor. The influence of winding end effect is explored through three-dimensional FEA. The thrust force and power factor of LSynRM are corrected and the model is adjusted. Finally, the system cost and energy consumption of the two motors based on Guangzhou Metro Line 4 were estimated and compared in detail.