2026, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A
Operational characteristics of electrical machines used in battery-operated transportation systems
Author(s): Carlos Eduardo Silva, Ana Paula Ferreira and Roberto Mendes Costa
Abstract: Battery-operated transportation systems have gained momentum in Brazilian urban centers as municipalities seek alternatives to diesel-powered public transit vehicles. The selection of appropriate electrical machines for these applications requires understanding of performance characteristics under real-world operating conditions that differ substantially from standardized laboratory testing protocols. This research examined three electric motor technologies deployed in battery electric buses operating within the São Paulo metropolitan transit network from April 2023 through December 2023. Permanent magnet synchronous motors, induction motors, and switched reluctance motors were evaluated across twelve vehicles completing regular service routes totaling over 180,000 kilometers of operation. Field measurements captured efficiency profiles, thermal behavior, and energy consumption patterns under the variable speed and torque demands characteristic of urban bus service including frequent stops, passenger loading variations, and mixed traffic conditions. Permanent magnet synchronous motors demonstrated peak efficiencies of 94.2% at moderate loading, maintaining above 89% across the majority of the operating envelope. Induction motors achieved 91.3% peak efficiency with broader tolerance to overload conditions but showed more pronounced efficiency degradation at partial loads. Switched reluctance motors reached 87.8% peak efficiency with advantages in thermal ruggedness but exhibited higher torque ripple affecting ride quality. Power distribution analysis during standardized urban drive cycles revealed that traction motors consumed 78.3% of total battery discharge, with auxiliary systems accounting for 14.2% and system losses representing 7.5%. Thermal management requirements differed significantly between technologies, with permanent magnet motors reaching steady-state winding temperatures of 78°C compared to 92°C for induction machines under equivalent loading. These findings provide practical guidance for transit authorities evaluating electric propulsion options for fleet electrification programs in tropical urban environments.
DOI: 10.22271/27083969.2026.v7.i1a.91
Pages: 20-26 | Views: 42 | Downloads: 17
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How to cite this article:
Carlos Eduardo Silva, Ana Paula Ferreira, Roberto Mendes Costa. Operational characteristics of electrical machines used in battery-operated transportation systems. Int J Electr Data Commun 2026;7(1):20-26. DOI: 10.22271/27083969.2026.v7.i1a.91
