In many parts of the world, diesel-electric locomotives are the main traction power for trains. A diesel-electric locomotive is similar to a road vehicle in having an internal combustion engine as its primary power source. However, the similarity ends there. Internal combustion engines operate efficiently only within a narrow rpm band. For a railway locomotive carrying over 1,000 tons of loads, extracting the required torque from an internal combustion engine would require an impractical number of gears. Therefore, a diesel-electric locomotive generates electricity to run its traction motors. The mechanisms involved are explained in this video "How do diesel-electric locomotives work?"
Diesel Locomotives use electricity to drive forward motion despite the name 'diesel'. A large diesel engine turns a shaft that drives a generator which makes electricity. This electrical energy powers large electric motors at the wheels called 'traction motors'.
DC and AC Power:
Some locomotives use DC generators and others use AC. Modern alternating current locomotives have better traction and adhesion and are used on trains that carry heavier loads. DC is still used because it is cheaper to manufacture. Learn more about AC, DC, adhesion and traction in this good article here >
To make a diesel electric locomotive power system it takes mechanical, electrical and control engineers.
In many parts of the world, diesel-electric locomotives are the main traction power for trains. A diesel-electric locomotive is similar to a road vehicle in having an internal combustion engine as its primary power source. However, the similarity ends there. Internal combustion engines operate efficiently only within a narrow rpm band. For a railway locomotive carrying over 1,000 tons of loads, extracting the required torque from an internal combustion engine would require an impractical number of gears. Therefore, a diesel-electric locomotive generates electricity to run its traction motors. The mechanisms involved are explained in this video "How do diesel-electric locomotives work?"
Diesel Locomotives use electricity to drive forward motion despite the name 'diesel'. A large diesel engine turns a shaft that drives a generator which makes electricity. This electrical energy powers large electric motors at the wheels called 'traction motors'.
DC and AC Power:
Some locomotives use DC generators and others use AC. Modern alternating current locomotives have better traction and adhesion and are used on trains that carry heavier loads. DC is still used because it is cheaper to manufacture. Learn more about AC, DC, adhesion and traction in this good article here >
To make a diesel electric locomotive power system it takes mechanical, electrical and control engineers.
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