Dual engine locomotives

[daveklepper]

From an ee standpont, there is no reason why a dual locomotive, even an old Eiunit with two dc generators and complete separation of electrical componants for the two trucks, could not have contactors and wiriing added so that in emergency one generator can power all motors.  This way the rated starting tractive effort would be retained in emergency operation, only the horsepower halved.  This would apply to any and all dual locomotives, and it is the same principle that allows a switcher to also power a mated slug.

However, as far as I know, this was never done.

[tdmidget]

 

If they are DC it makes no difference. Basically you can average the outputs and be pretty close. The problem comes if you try to draw the max from the generators and exceed the capacity of the smaller one. Why would the be different?

[bubbajustin]

We can't foreget UP's DDX40A's. Theay were double engiened too.

[carnej1]

 I have seem posts on other forums recently stating the the SD50s that NS has sent to Progress Rail for rebuilding into 4,000HP PR43C's are twin engined units with a 2500HP main engine and a 1500HP secondary......

[Randy Stahl]

EMD E units were 2 locomotives in one carbody . Two electrical cabinets, two generators etc. If one prime mover died the engine ran with half of its components.

The DD40 was the same , each AR10 connected in parellell to 4 traction motors. front engine to the front truck etc.

The big GEs were the same , two electrical cabinets.

Its very difficult if not impossible in a railway application to parellel alternators or generators. The exeption is the AR series alternators that are actually two parellelled machines, this can be done because the two machines are in one housing and they will run in phase with each other.

[Penncentral]

Were dual engine locomotives wired for combined output? If one half quit working would one truck be unpowered or would they both lose half of their power? If combined did the alt/gen have to be syncronized? If seperate how was the power routed on the U50C? That would be a three way split and every book I have shows 4, 6, or 8 way power splits. Like four traction motors on a five axle unit. Thanks everybody.