Regarding efficiency; You gotta consider that a diesel-electric railroad locomotive uses the same hardware for two different functions. When pulling, the diesel engine powers a big generator or alternator (depending on the age of the locomotive) to send power through big switches called power contactors, to motors (called traction motors) that are geared directly to each axle. The electrical configuration of the traction motor circuits can be changed, automatically, during operation, from series (maximum starting torque) to series parallel, to parallel. Also, part of the field current is shunted to resistors at optimum times to help motor circuits operate at peak efficiency. When coasting, the configuration of the traction motor circuits can again be changed through the cab control console so that the traction motors become generators, with their output current dissipated at heat at grid resistors. The control console varies the field current in the traction motors. The stronger the field current, the more braking effect of the motors. Dynamic braking. I think I got that right...Dennis
When coasting, the configuration of the traction motor circuits can again be changed through the cab control console so that the traction motors become generators, with their output current dissipated at heat at grid resistors. The control console varies the field current in the traction motors. The stronger the field current, the more braking effect of the motors. Dynamic braking.
The 'Green Train' will promote global awareness on a sex week tour. I don't really agree with the global warming mumbo jumbo but the tour will still be cool.