Which motor is most suitable for traction in railways?
AC synchronous motors
AC induction three-phase asynchronous and permanent-magnet AC synchronous motors are the two most widely used traction motors in the railway sector due to their high-power output, low maintenance cost, and increased efficiency over DC electric traction motors.
What is a traction motor on a train?
Traction motors are powered by electricity and generate the power to rotate the wheels of the train. The turning force produced by traction motors is transmitted to the wheels via the driving gear unit and axle. Traction motors are typically mounted in the trucks where the wheels are housed.
Do trains lose traction?
For example, if a train begins moving from a stop, the engineer notches up the throttle gradually, rather than applying high power causing the wheels to lose traction. Modern locomotives are equipped with various traction control systems that allow them to reduce or eliminate wheel slip.
Why do diesel trains use electric motors?
Diesel–electric powerplants became popular because they greatly simplified the way motive power was transmitted to the wheels and because they were both more efficient and had greatly reduced maintenance requirements. Hydraulic transmissions are claimed to be somewhat more efficient than diesel–electric technology.
Are diesel locomotives AC or DC?
In a diesel–electric locomotive, the diesel engine drives either an electrical DC generator (generally, less than 3,000 horsepower (2,200 kW) net for traction), or an electrical AC alternator-rectifier (generally 3,000 horsepower (2,200 kW) net or more for traction), the output of which provides power to the traction …
Why are DC motors used in trains?
DC motors are used on trains is because of their high torque and good speed control. Trains are a large-scale application; therefore, a DC motor can effectively and safely move the heavy load forward.
Are traction motors AC or DC?
AC traction motors have replaced DC motors in many traction applications. The motors used are induction or asynchronous motors designed to have characteristics suitable for traction. The speed and torque of the motor are controlled by varying the frequency, voltage and current applied to the stator coils.
How does a train not slip?
The wheels on each side of a train car are connected with a metal rod called an axle. This axle keeps the two train wheels moving together, both turning at the same speed when the train is moving. This is where the wheels’ geometry comes in. To help the wheels stay on the track their shape is usually slightly conical.
What force causes a train to stop?
The static frictional force on the train is between the wheels and the track. The frictional force on the cars is between the axle and the wheels (so, I cheated a little bit here).
How much horsepower does a diesel train engine have?
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.
Why do steam trains have diesels on the back?
In the interim, until all steam locomotives were modified to work an air-braked train, they were required to be fitted with a through air pipe so a diesel or electric locomotive could be attached in order to provide assistance in the event of failure of the steam locomotive.
How is a traction motor used in a train?
There are many sizes and styles of traction motors in use around the world; however, the most commonly recognized form is found in a diesel locomotive. The diesel engine in a locomotive turns a large generator that supplies the power to the electric motor that actually propels the train.
What kind of power does a diesel train use?
Modern diesel trains use electric motors known as ‘traction motors’ to supply power to the wheels. The diesel power plant just supplies the power to the traction motors, and does not turn the wheels. Diesel engines, along with running the traction motor, also powers the auxiliary systems such as the compressor and the blower.
How many traction motors does a diesel engine have in India?
Diesel locomotive engines in India have cylinders ranging from 12 to 16. The unit is coupled to six traction motors, one on each axle. Some diesel trains come with four traction motors. Hence, it is safe to say that current diesel engines run on electric power.
What kind of engine is a diesel locomotive?
The Main Alternator is powered by the Diesel Engine. That’s why the locomotive it’s called Diesel-Electric Locomotive. This type of locomotive it’s powered by the diesel engine, which powers the AC alternator.
