Evolution of Electric Traction Vehicle Design Based on the Example of Škoda Locomotives

Abstract

The article describes the evolution of Škoda electric locomotives, starting with vehicles supplied with 3 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz, initially featuring a resistor start-up (for DC supply), optionally high-voltage voltage regulation (for AC supply), and later with a pulse (thyristor) start-up. The railway network in Czechoslovakia was initially electrified with direct volt-age (including the Prague junction); however, learning the advantages of the 25 kV 50 Hz voltage developed in Germany led to some new sections of the ČSD network being electrified with alternating current. At the same time, Czechoslova-kia’s national manufacturer Škoda developed vehicles (locomotives, EMUs) suitable for DC and AC operation. Initially, these were single-system vehicles, as the development of multi-system ones was technically complicated at the time (only short-series production was practiced). The advent of pulse-starting traction motors not only provided more economical and simpler traction motor control but also simplified the construction of multi-system vehicles. The article discusses the specifics of both engine start-up systems and the evolution of DC and AC vehicle design and operation.