Analysis of Traction Motor Failures of High-Speed Electric Trains of the “Lastochka” and “Finist” Projects

Objective: since 2014, high-speed passenger trains with asynchronous traction drives have been in regular operation on Russian Railways tracks. During operation, a significant number of traction equipment failures, specifically asynchronous traction motors, have been detected. This article identifies the types and causes of asynchronous traction motor failures identified over the past several years based on maintenance and repair data. Methods: the study includes an analysis of asynchronous traction motor failures on ES1, ES2G, and ES104 trains and an assessment of the impact of adjacent traction equipment that led to asynchronous traction motor failures. Results: it was established that failures of asynchronous traction motors are caused by both poor stator winding insulation, which leads to such malfunctions as decreased stator winding resistance relative to the traction motor housing and interphase short circuits in the traction motor stator winding, and the flow of bearing currents, which lead to such malfunctions as increased traction motor vibration. The study resulted in the development of recommendations for eliminating the identified malfunctions. Practical significance: the results of the study are significant for improving the design, production, and repair of power electrical equipment for electric rolling stock, as they address one of the main problems arising during the operation of modern high-speed electric trains, associated with frequent systematic failures of asynchronous traction motors.