Article

Received 14.02.2026

Revised 01.06.2026

Accepted 25.06.2026

Published 04.07.2026

Retrieved from Vol. 29, No. 1, 2026

Pages 59 -70

Riabov, I., Lysenko, Ye., Yeritsyan, B., Bilokon, I., & Zhukov, A. (2026). Research on the energy efficiency of a traction induction electric drive for a shunting locomotive. Transport Systems and Technologies, 29(1), 59-70. https://doi.org/10.32703/2617-9040-2026-47-5

Research on the energy efficiency of a traction induction electric drive for a shunting locomotive

Ievgen Riabov*, Yevhen Lysenko, Bagish Yeritsyan, Iryna Bilokon, Anton Zhukov

yevhen.riabov@khpi.edu.ua

The modernisation of the fleet of locomotives used on Ukrainian railways for shunting operations is essential to improve the reliability of rail transport, reduce fuel and energy costs, and minimise the negative impact on the environment. The aim of this work was to investigate the energy efficiency of an induction traction drive for a shunting locomotive, which influences the locomotive’s traction and energy performance. The ChME3 shunting diesel locomotive was selected for the study, for which the energy efficiency indicators of the traction drive with 140 kW induction electric motors were determined through mathematical modelling. The results of the calculations showed that the ChME3 diesel locomotive can utilise an induction traction drive with either four or six electric motors. For both variants, calculations of the tangential power were performed at various positions of the driver’s controller, and it was determined that both variants exhibit high energy performance. At the same time, the six-motor traction induction electric drive provided an increase in tangential tractive force compared to a traction electric drive with commutator motors. A comparison was made of the efficiency of the traction induction electric drive and a standard electric drive with commutator motors. It has been determined that the efficiency of the traction induction drive is higher across the entire load range, confirming the feasibility of using a traction induction electric drive on shunting locomotives. The findings of this study can be utilised in the development of new shunting locomotives and the modernisation of existing ones at domestic and foreign enterprises

energy effectiveness; energy and resource saving; induction electric motor; power; rolling stock
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https://doi.org/10.32703/2617-9040-2026-47-5