Which type of motors are used in electrical locomotives,what are their ratings?

Question

Which type of motors are used in electrical locomotives,what are their ratings?

Answer 1

Diesel not sure about anything else

Answer 2

synchronous motor

Answer 3

if you mean the diesel engine they are V12's rated at 4000 to 4400 horsepower.The older engines are V16's.Most of them are rated at 3000 to 3800 horses

If you mean the traction motors that actually turn the wheels I don't really know what the rating on them is

Answer 4

First, as you might guess, there are as many different types of locomotives and automobiles.

There are some very small industrial switchers that would have quite low ratings.

Ratings for locomotives are based on estimated tonnage they can pull so it varies from one district to another based on ruling grade.

Earlier locomotives all used DC motors, they are easier to control although less efficient.

AC motors are in use now on a lot of locomotives with the advent of reliable microprocessors and computerized controls.

Another thing, all locomotives are elcetric except the old steam locomotives.

All the deisel engine does is run a huge onboard generator or alternator depending on if it is a DC or AC locomotive.

Answer 5

For electric locomotives, there are two types of traction topologies, which result in two types of motors.

Some locomotives are DC traction (typical of older models), because of the simpler transmission system.  These motors can rate up to 2000 hp each.  Very big and lots of carbon brushes to check.

For AC traction locomotives, the complexity is in the electronics, making the motors rather simple.  Synchronous motors are usually not a good way to go, so most AC locomotives use induction motors with a simple "squirrel cage" rotor.  These motors are 3-phase and can also be rated up 2000 HP.  They are much smaller than their DC counterparts.

Answer 6

Most locomotives have diesel engines that drive generators that drive electric motors that drive the wheels, unless they are all electric engines.  This is because engines have low torque at low RPM, while electric motors have their highest torque at low RRM.  Basically, its a way of getting trains to accellerate more quickly.  They come in a variety of voltage and horsepower ratings, but the numbers are mostly in the low 1000's.

Answer 7

@rango: not all traction is done electrically. There are diesel-mechanic and diesel-hydraulic locos too (maybe not in the US).