Article

Received 27.01.2026

Revised 03.06.2026

Accepted 25.06.2026

Published 04.07.2026

Retrieved from Vol. 29, No. 1, 2026

Pages 110 -121

Maslii, A., & Iakubovskyi, Ia. (2026). Prospective methods for enhancing the energy efficiency of multi-motor traction electric drive systems for rail vehicles. Transport Systems and Technologies, 29(1), 110-121. https://doi.org/10.32703/2617-9040-2026-47-9

Prospective methods for enhancing the energy efficiency of multi-motor traction electric drive systems for rail vehicles

Artem Maslii*, Iaroslav Iakubovskyi

a.masliy@ukr.net

The relevance of the study is determined by the need to improve the energy efficiency of the multi-motor traction electric drive of commuter electric trains by reducing electricity consumption and losses in traction equipment, power converters, the overhead contact system and auxiliary systems. The aim of the study was to determine the most appropriate technical solutions for improving the energy efficiency of a multi-motor traction electric drive based on a comprehensive analysis of the structure of energy losses, types of traction electric motors, control methods and approaches to optimising movement modes. The study used a multicriteria analysis method applying the Harrington desirability function. The results established that the main reserves for improving energy efficiency are concentrated in reducing losses in the traction electric drive, power converters and the mechanical part of the drive, which account for the largest share of the total energy losses of an electric train. It was determined that the asynchronous traction motor is the most appropriate option for use in a multi-motor traction electric drive, as it provides a rational combination of energy efficiency, reliability, ease of maintenance and acceptable weight and dimensional characteristics. A comparison of asynchronous electric drive control methods showed the advantage of vector control, which ensures high accuracy in regulating electromagnetic torque, stable operation under variable loads and improved energy characteristics of the drive. Among the methods for optimising the movement modes of electric trains, dynamic programming was identified as the most promising, as it enables the formation of energy-saving movement trajectories while taking into account speed limits, track profile and variable operating conditions. The obtained results confirm the feasibility of the integrated combination of an asynchronous traction motor, vector control and dynamic programming algorithms as a basis for creating energy-efficient traction electric drive systems for modern rail rolling stock

induction traction motor; vector control; dynamic programming; electric train; energy losses; optimisation of operating modes; multicriteria analysis
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https://doi.org/10.32703/2617-9040-2026-47-9