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BNSF has gone to all AC locomotives
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<p>[quote user="beaulieu"]</p> <p> <blockquote> <div><img src="/TRCCS/Themes/trc/images/icon-quote.gif" /> <strong>Sam1:</strong></div> <div></div> <p> </p> <blockquote><br /></blockquote> <p> </p> <p>Could you explain briefly to someone who is not an engineer or technician the advantages and disadvantages of an AC vs DC locomotive? Thanks!</p> <div style="clear:both;"></div> <p> </p> </blockquote> </p> <p>DC the only advantage is the initial purchase price.</p> <p>AC advantages</p> <p>1) Either a lighter motor for a given amount of power or a more powerful motor for a given amount of weight</p> <p>2) The potential to reduce the amount of unsprung mass. The greater the unsprung mass the greater the hammering of the track.</p> <p>3) inherent advantage with both the 3-phase asynchronous and permag synchronous motors for superior traction control. The motor will rotate at a speed determined by the frequency of the power supplied, and will resist turning either faster or slower.</p> <p>4) no need for brushes and commutators with their limitations and maintenance requirements.</p> <p>5) Greater rotational speed range for the traction motors. </p> <p> </p> <p>The price differential has been decreasing since the introduction of the SD70MAC in 1994. I expect that within a couple of years DC motored locomotives will cost more due to low production levels. It is almost certain that the only DC locomotives produced this year will be the already completed CN order for SD70M-2s. [/quote]</p> <p>Now I know or at least I have a good idea of the differences. Thanks for your excellent response.</p>
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