How much power does an electric train need?

How much power does an electric train need? With most trunk line freight and long-distance passenger trains operated using high power electric locomotives, typically in excess of 7,200 kilowatts (9,700 hp) of power output.

How efficient is an electric freight train?

Electric locomotives benefit from the high efficiency of electric motors, often above 90% (not including the inefficiency of generating the electricity). Additional efficiency can be gained from regenerative braking, which allows kinetic energy to be recovered during braking to put power back on the line.

What is the power supply for trains?

Railways and electrical utilities use AC as opposed to DC for the same reason: to use transformers, which require AC, to produce higher voltages. The higher the voltage, the lower the current for the same power (because power is current multiplied by voltage), and power loss is proportional to the current squared.

How fast can a train engine go by itself?

One locomotive weighs about as much as 108 hippos These 6-axle engines have 4,400 traction horsepower and can reach a maximum speed of 70 miles per hour pulling thousands of tons of freight.

What voltage do electric trains run on?

Most overhead railway cables carry a voltage of 25,000 volts (25kV) in order to power electric trains. This is roughly 100 times more powerful than the electricity used in your home.

How much horsepower does a train need?

While the average car engine has about 200 horsepower, locomotive engines typically range from 2,000 to 4,500 horsepower. Train operators rely on diesel power across the full range of rail power applications.

How many watts does it take to run a train?

A 5,000 HP locomotive requires 4 megawatts to run, and most trains need multiple engines. What is the electricity consumption of a train in 1 hour? Electric locomotives are more efficient and eco-friendly than diesel locomotives.

What is the lifespan of an electric train?

The life expectancy of diesel-electric and electric locomotives is expected to be similar—about 25 years. Both types of motive power are subject to technological obsolescence.

Do electric trains have gears?

No, trains have no gears, since these are unfeasible. That's why their fuel (if any) is converted to electric energy and then used to run motors.

What are the disadvantages of electric trains?

Disadvantages of electric traction include: high capital costs that may be uneconomic on lightly trafficked routes, a relative lack of flexibility (since electric trains need third rails or overhead wires), and a vulnerability to power interruptions.

How are most trains powered now?

Besides steam- and diesel-powered locomotives, many trains operate solely on electrical power. They get the electricity from a third rail, or electrical line, along the track. Transformers transfer the voltage from the lines, and the electrical current drives the motors (AC or DC) on the wheels.

How many MPG does a train get?

Thanks in part to these technologies, U.S. freight railroads can, on average, move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles per gallon of fuel, making rail the most fuel-efficient way to move freight over land.

How do trains get power from overhead?

In our world, a catenary is a system of overhead wires used to supply electricity to a locomotive, streetcar, or light rail vehicle which is equipped with a pantograph. The pantagraph presses against the underside of the lowest overhead wire, the contact wire.

Do trains have a generator?

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'. To make a diesel electric locomotive power system it takes mechanical, electrical and control engineers.

How many cars can 1 train engine pull?

Once the train is rolling, an engine with 110,000 lb tractive effort should be able to maintain 11-12 mph with at least 200 cars-- maybe 300 or more.

Do trains generate their own electricity?

Certain electric traction systems provide Regenerative brakes. The energy generated by the train is converted into electricity and return it to the power system that is available to be used by other trains, or to the utility grid in general.