A High Efficiency Linear Motor Propulsion System Debuts in China

By Craig Taylor

January 6, 2010

A new self-developed high efficiency linear motor (LM) propulsion system powering China's first domestically developed and manufactured driving metro train was successfully tested and validated in Changchun, China.

The technological achievement was developed by Harbin Electric and is part of a larger plan to make China self-reliant with its own advanced technology in many sectors of its fast growing economy.

According to the Chinese, the successful development of this LM driving metro train ranks China as the third country in the world after Canada and Japan to master linear motor technology for a scaled production of linear driving transit systems.

Compared to the traditional rotary motor propelled metro transit system widely used around the world, the linear motor driving metro train provides higher performance efficiency with lower energy consumption. It can negotiate steep grades and cope with tight curves and corners, lower maintenance cost, provide a safer ride under severe whether conditions such as rain and snow, and is quieter and more comfortable.

The technology is also environmental friendly and due to the simplicity of the LM propulsion system, the vehicle body is more compact, reducing the cross section of underground tunnels by about 40%, which could accelerate construction of the tracks, thus providing significant cost savings.

"We are extremely proud of our successful participation in China's development of a technologically advanced urban metro transit industry. The first 'made-in-China" LM metro train relies on our proprietary technology and has met international standards, with significant lower production costs than similar foreign products. With the success of this trial production, I believe that Chinese enterprises have entered into the high-end LM driving metro transit market and possess the skills and strength necessary to compete with world-class metro rail car manufacturers," said Mr. Tianfu Yang, Chairman and CEO of Harbin Electric.

China has approved plans to build subways in 22 cities over the next decade. In addition, it plans to produce a four-car train set for the Beijing Capital International Airport Link using LM technology.