Simulation study of a bi-articulated vehicle with two different electric traction motors using simulated annealing optimisation

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation study of the propulsion performance of a bi-articulated vehicle equipped with two types of traction motors, a 45 kW induction motor and a 200 kW permanent magnetic synchronous motor. We determined the necessary combination conditions of these two traction motors to fulfil the traction specifications of a 26 m bi-articulated vehicle. Two sets of propulsion conditions, using the 3rd and 4th or 2nd and 4th axles, have been investigated and the appropriate power capacity of the traction motors has been determined. Computer simulations for the traction motors, using the above-mentioned propulsion conditions, have been performed; moreover, the propulsion performance for different traction patterns and the road slope conditions have been analysed. In addition, the spring and damping factors of the mechanical couplers for the bi-articulated vehicle have been evaluated using a simulated annealing scheme to help diminish the transient oscillatory motion between the vehicle units.