Control and Regulation: The Electrical System The true brilliance of the diesel-electric system lies in its control mechanism. The traction motors convert the electrical energy back into mechanical rotation, turning the wheels directly.
How the Prime Mover Powers and Drives Locomotive Performance
From Mechanical to Electrical Energy Connected directly to the diesel engine's crankshaft is the main alternator, also known as the generator. Advantages of Individual Wheel Motors Eliminates complex and heavy gearboxes and universal joints.
This generator produces electricity, which is then sent to traction motors mounted directly on the locomotive's wheels. These robust electric motors are mounted in the locomotive's trucks (the assembly of wheels and axles), with one or more motors typically driving each axle.
How the Prime Mover Powers and Drives Locomotive Operation
These engines are engineered for continuous, heavy-duty operation, designed to run for thousands of hours at varying loads. Early locomotives used resistors to control the current sent to the traction motors, resulting in significant energy loss as heat.
More About How does a diesel locomotive work
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