1st rail operation using PMSM traction system completed

The first rail operation using permanent magnet synchronous motor traction system, a system developed by Chinese engineers, has been successfully completed. [File photo]

The first rail operation using permanent magnet synchronous motor traction system, a system developed by Chinese engineers, has been successfully completed, the Beijing News reported on Tuesday.

The traction system was developed by engineers at the Zhuzhou Institute Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of the China South Locomotive & Rolling Stock Corporation Ltd. (also known as CSR). The new technology has passed the China Railway Corporation's examination and review with this first successful rail operation, and it will therefore advance to the whole-vehicle testing and assessment stage very soon.

It is expected that PMSM high speed trains will begin operating and carrying passengers in 2016 after 300,000 kilometers of test runs.

PMSM is also known as the "next generation of rail transit" in transport service. The "debut" of PMSM rail operation indicates that China has become one of very few countries in the world to adopt the most sophisticated technology.

Feng Jianghua, vice general manager of the Zhuzhou Institute Co. Ltd., said that the PMSM traction system is well known for its high power, high efficiency, small size, light weight and low noise. The system's energy savings rate is up to 10 percent.

Feng said that the new traction system is the core technology of high speed railway. The PMSM traction system introduced by Zhuzhou is considered a breakthrough that will enable China to increase its competitiveness in the world's railway transport industry.