Why do country trains use diesel instead of electric wires?

The diesel engine in a diesel-electric locomotive provides the drive for the main alternator which, in turn, provides the power required for the traction motors. We can see from this therefore, that the power required from the diesel engine is related to the power required by the motors.

How are most locomotives powered?

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 are trains electric powered?

Rail electrification enables trains to dispatch with dirty diesel-burning engines. When powered by renewables, electric trains can provide nearly emissions-free transport.

How do diesel locomotives work?

Be it diesel or electric, locomotives are actually “run” by a set of electric AC induction motors called traction motors attached to their axles. These motors need electric power to run, and the source that supplies this power is what differentiates diesel and electric locomotives.

Why can’t electric locomotives run on electrified track?

A lack of substations and adequate power supply are preventing electric locomotives from running on electrified track. New Delhi: Despite having commissioned thousands of kilometres of railway routes as electrified track, the Modi government is not able to run electric locomotives on many of these lines. Why?

Are steam engines being replaced by electric trains?

They now lag behind many other advanced nations, which have been investing for many years in electric-powered railroads. In the early to mid-20th century, steam engines were replaced by more efficient electric locomotives and diesel-electric (usually referred to as just diesel) locomotives.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of electric locomotives in India?

In India, older DC motor locos like WAM4, WAG5, WAG7 and WAP4 locomotives use tap-changers while 3-phase AC WAP5, WAP7 and WAG9 locos utilize either GTO Thyristors or IGBT drives. The major drawback of electric locomotives is that they are totally dependent on the power which has to be supplied for it to run.