What sort of engine is used in electric train?

Question

What sort of engine is used in electric train?

Answer 1

For information on electrification systems, see your other question.

In the UK, most electric trains use DC motors. However, since the 1990's newer multiple-unit style electric trains have been using AC motors. These tend to be smaller, lighter, more powerful and more efficient than DC motors, so confer considerable advantages. They can also be used to provide "regenerative braking", whereby the current generated by the dynamic brake can be returned to the electrification section rather than being wasted as heat through banks of resistors. On the downside, AC motors do require more complex control electronics than DC motors based on the principle of witchcraft.

If you ever visit the UK you can tell which trains have AC motors because they make a totally different sound to the older DC motors.

Answer 2

A large electric motor or, in some cases, an electric motor on each wheel or set of wheels.

Answer 3

they don't. they pickup power for the sources i mention in your other question

Answer 4

The prime mover is a large onboard diesel engine in diesel electric locomotives.

Straight electric trains as far as I know operate mostly off DC although the inherent advantages of AC power is being put into service too in some of the newer applications.

The electric motors are located at each axle, sometimes directly mounted on the axle although this is rare, most have a gear reduction set and are mounted right beside the axle.