Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
"4-cycle Diesel with advanced engine control driving an alternator with AC traction motors"-you've just described an AC4400CW(also AC6000CW,SD90MAC-H,SD89MAC,although these have been problematic). <br /> Ed is right about energy storage systems,both battery based(Railpower technologies Green Goat) and more advanced systems using superconducting,ceramic flywheels(FRA/Bombardier High Speed Passenger Turbine program). Solar Panels on trains would not generate a significant amount of traction current,but their use on cabooses and railside equipment has been fairly successful. GE proposed a variant of the DM32AC to Amtrack with a pantagraph system for Northeast Corridor running,so the technology for this kind of hybrid exists. <br /> The use of energy storage systems might make a low maintenance,constant speed,multi fuel turbine prime mover more attractive,although Diesel gensets are still more economical to purchase. <br /> I'm dubious about Fuel Cell locomotives,fuel cells are still very expensive and also very bulky compared to even the biggest locomotive diesel primemovers(I'm talking size rather than weight). But someday,who knows?
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag