A locomotive that is powered by electricity from overhead lines, a third rail, or on-board energy storage such as a battery or a supercapacitor is known as an electric locomotive.
Because the electric generator/motor combination solely functions as a power transmission system, locomotives with on-board fueled prime movers, such as diesel engines or gas turbines, are classified as diesel-electric or gas turbine-electric locomotives rather than electric locomotives.
Electric locomotives benefit from electric motors’ high efficiency, which is often above 90%. (not including the inefficiency of generating the electricity). Regenerative braking, which allows kinetic energy to be recovered during braking and used to put power back on the line, can improve efficiency. Regenerative braking is available on newer electric locomotives thanks to AC motor-inverter driving systems. Because there is no engine or exhaust noise and less mechanical noise, electric locomotives are quieter than diesel locomotives. Because electric locomotives do not have reciprocating parts, they are easier to operate on the track and require less maintenance. Because the capacity of the power plant is significantly greater than the capacity of any one locomotive, electric locomotives can deliver higher power outputs than diesel locomotives, as well as higher short-term surge power for rapid acceleration. Electric locomotives are suited for frequent-stop commuter rail service. Electric locomotives are employed on freight routes with a significant volume of traffic or in locations with well-developed rail networks. Even if they utilize fossil fuels, power plants are significantly cleaner than transportable sources like locomotive engines. Geothermal power, hydroelectric power, biomass, solar power, nuclear power, and wind turbines are all examples of clean or renewable energy sources. Electric locomotives are typically 20% less expensive than diesel locomotives, with maintenance expenses of 25-35 percent cheaper and operating costs of up to 50% lower.
The expensive expense of infrastructure, such as overhead lines or third rail, substations, and control systems, is the main downside of electrification. Electrification is hampered in the United States by government policy, which imposes higher property taxes on privately held train systems that are electrified. The EPA regulates locomotive and marine engine exhaust emissions in the same way that automobile and truck emissions are regulated, in order to restrict the quantity of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, nitric oxides, and soot produced by these mobile power sources. Because train infrastructure in the United States is privately held, railroads are hesitant to engage in electrification. Railway networks, like roads, motorways, and rivers, are considered part of the national transportation infrastructure in Europe and worldwide, and are frequently subsidized by the government. Rolling stock operators are charged fees based on how much rail is used. This enables the significant investments required for technically and economically advantageous electrification in the long run.
Which locomotive is better diesel or electric?
The speed of the diesel-electric train is slower than that of the electric train. An electric locomotive is not as effective as a diesel locomotive in adverse weather or terrain. A diesel locomotive is far superior to an electric locomotive in adverse weather or terrain.
Are electric trains better for the environment?
Because electric trains are powered solely by internal electric motors, they have never produced any direct carbon emissions. However, the electricity needed to power these motors was mostly generated by burning fossil fuels or coal, both of which emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide. Electrical trains now have a very minimal environmental impact because to the advent of ‘clean energy’ generating. For example, the proposed high-speed rail route between San Francisco and Los Angeles in California has the potential to produce zero carbon gas emissions, thanks to California’s substantial renewable energy infrastructure, which generates 3,350 GWh per year.
What are the pros and cons of electric trains?
Advantages: When compared to steam trains, electricity can power a longer train over longer distances and at quicker speeds. Electric trains are also extremely cost-effective in terms of converting fuel into kinetic energy. Cons: Electricity fluctuations affect the train’s movement.
Can diesel trains run on electrified lines?
Electro-diesel locomotives are used to provide continuous journeys along routes that are only partially electrified without changing locomotives, to avoid extensive diesel running beneath the wires (using a diesel locomotive where electrified lines are available), and to provide a solution where diesel engines are prohibited. They may be constructed or modified primarily for electric usage, primarily for diesel use, or to function well in either mode.
There are no distinct locomotives in the electric multiple unit (EMU) or diesel multiple unit (DMU), for example. Electro-diesel multiple units (EDMU) or bi-mode multiple unit trains are electro-diesel (bi-mode) multiple unit trains (BMU).
Which is powerful diesel or electric?
Diesel automobiles are less expensive to buy than electric cars, and they have higher torque (power) for better performance and hauling. EVs, on the other hand, are less expensive to operate, have better onboard technology, and are better for the environment.
Do you want to know if a diesel or electric automobile is better for you? See which is ideal for your money, driving style, and the environment by reading on.
Which train engine is faster diesel or electric?
The average speed of DM engines is 60 kilometers per hour, while the average speed of DE engines is 80 kilometers per hour, which is also the average speed of an electric engine.
Which has more torque electric or diesel?
When it comes to creating the amount of force required to rotate a car’s wheels (torque), gas-powered cars and electric vehicles operate in slightly different ways. Torque is generated by a gas-powered engine by burning fuel, which causes combustion, which subsequently turns parts like the crankshaft. The car’s transmission then transfers these strong impulses to the wheels. Diesel engines produce torque in a similar manner to gasoline engines, with the exception that diesel engines frequently produce more torque due to their higher compression ratio and the fact that diesel fuel retains more energy than gasoline.
Why do diesel trains have electric motors?
Switchers (or shunters), locomotives used for moving trains around in railroad yards and building and disassembling them, were the first to utilise dieselelectric technology in the 1920s. The American Locomotive Company was one of the first companies to offer “Oil-Electric” locomotives (ALCO). In 1931, the ALCO HH series of dieselelectric switchers went into production. The system was modified in the 1930s to accommodate streamliners, the fastest trains of the day. Dieselelectric powerplants were popular because they substantially simplified the transmission of motive power to the wheels, as well as being more efficient and requiring less maintenance. When a locomotive has four or more axles, direct-drive transmissions can become quite complicated. A direct-drive diesel locomotive would also necessitate an excessive number of gears to keep the engine within its powerband; coupling the diesel to a generator solves this problem. In a direct drive system, a torque converter or fluid coupling can be used to replace the gearbox. Hydraulic transmissions are said to be more efficient than diesel-electric transmissions.
