How does a diesel locomotive move?
How does a diesel locomotive move?
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’.
How does a diesel-electric loco work?
The ignition of diesel fuel pushes pistons connected to an electric generator. The resulting electricity powers motors connected to the wheels of the locomotive. A “diesel” internal combustion engine uses the heat generated from the compression of air during the upward cycles of the stroke to ignite the fuel.
Why are diesel locomotives left running?
Diesel locomotives are slowly disappearing from the Indian Railway scene. The amount of fuel-dependency and the maintenance issues which come along with diesel engines are the primary reason for this.
Do diesel locomotives have transmissions?
A diesel–mechanical locomotive uses a mechanical transmission in a fashion similar to that employed in most road vehicles. This type of transmission is generally limited to low-powered, low speed shunting (switching) locomotives, lightweight multiple units and self-propelled railcars.
How much torque does a diesel train have?
around 60,000 lb-ft
The drive motors use this electricity to generate around 60,000 lb-ft of torque. There is also a secondary diesel engine and generator to provide electrical power for the rest of the train. This generator is called the head-end power unit, producing between 500 and 700 kilowatts (kW) of electrical power.
How much weight can a diesel locomotive pull?
GE AC6000CW
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Axle load | 72,000 lb (32,658.7 kilograms; 32.7 tonnes) max |
| Loco weight | 423,000–432,000 lb (192,000–196,000 kilograms) 212–216 short tons (189–193 long tons; 192–196 t) |
| Fuel type | diesel fuel |
| Fuel capacity | 5,500 US gal (21,000 l; 4,600 imp gal) or 6,200 US gal (23,000 l; 5,200 imp gal) |
How many miles per gallon does a diesel locomotive get?
208,712,027,000 ton-miles / 423,998,863 gallons = 492 ton-miles per gallon. In other words, CSX trains, on average, can move a ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a gallon of fuel, based on our 2018 revenue ton miles and 2018 fuel use. The fuel efficiency for a freight truck can be estimated in a similar way.
Do diesel trains have gears?
The traction motors provide propulsion power to the wheels. There is one on each axle. Each motor drives a small gear, which meshes with a larger gear on the axle shaft. This provides the gear reduction that allows the motor to drive the train at speeds of up to 125 mph.
What do you call the movement of a train?
Operations: The movement of trains or rail vehicles for the purpose of marshalling trains or altering their consist.
How much horsepower does a diesel locomotive put out?
around 3,200 horsepower
How many horsepower is a diesel locomotive? A locomotive’s diesel engine is connected to an electric generator that is either DC or AC. In either case, the power produced is around 3,200 horsepower. The generator uses this power to convert it into a massive amount of current, approximately 4,700 amperes.
