How does an Electric Locomotive work ?
The electric locomotive uses Ac or Dc current, both from the overhead equipment, but it is not directly coupled to the motors, it runs through high tension cables from the alternator through reversing and power contactors , rectifiers and oil cooled transformers etc , and many low tension relays and much other electronic control equipment, like the throttle control system.
The motors run from start to around 850 volts /500 amps and even more each and the locomotives can reach 120 to over 200KPH .
A diesel electric locomotive uses the diesel engine to turn an alternator , which has AC current output, or DC generators with DC output.Ac and DC motors are used, and some locomotives are dual purpose, meaning cutting out the diesel engine and using overheads only.
