Wiktor Wise
The diesel-electric locomotive is a type of railway locomotive with a diesel engine that drives an electrical generator or alternator-rectifier to provide power to traction motors that drive the locomotive. The first successful diesel engines used diesel-electric transmissions, and by 1925, a small number of diesel locomotives were in service in the United States. Over time, the diesel engine has been improved in terms of power and performance, and it has become a proven and standardized form of motive power, especially following World War II. Today, the latest diesel-electric locomotive in terms of power is the ES58ACi locomotive by Wabtec Corporation, incorporating the latest model GEVO V16 cylinders diesel engine with a 6000 GHP output. Another notable modern diesel-electric locomotive is the GE AC6000CW, built between 1995 and 2001, with a horsepower of 6000 (4500 kW).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | GE AC6000CW |
| Manufacturer | GE Transportation |
| Power | 6,000-horsepower (4,500 kW) |
| Engine | 7HDL |
| Engine Power | 6,250-horsepower (4,660-kilowatt) |
| Engine Type | Diesel |
| Propulsion Type | Diesel-electric |
| Use Case | Pulling heavy coal and ore trains |
| Weight Pulled | 99,734 tonnes |
| Distance Covered | 275 kilometres |
| Top Speed | 45 km/h |
| Year Introduced | 1995 |
| Year Phased Out | 2001 |
| Latest Variant | ES58ACi |
| Latest Variant Manufacturer | Wabtec Corporation |
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What You'll Learn
- The GE AC6000CW is a powerful single-engined diesel-electric locomotive
- The Wabtec ES58ACi is the most powerful Wabtec heavy-haul diesel-electric locomotive
- Electro-diesel locomotives can be powered by electricity or onboard diesel engines
- Diesel-electric locomotives are electrically driven, with diesel engines driving an alternator
- Diesel-electric propulsion was brought to high-speed mainline passenger service in the US in 1934
The GE AC6000CW is a powerful single-engined diesel-electric locomotive
The GE AC6000CW is a powerful, single-engined diesel-electric locomotive. Built between 1995 and 2001, it is one of the world's most powerful single-engine diesel locomotives, with a horsepower of 6,000 (4,500 kW).
The AC6000CW was designed to meet the extremely high horsepower needs of pulling heavy coal and ore trains. It was developed at a time when there was a race to produce the most powerful locomotive, with GE Transportation of Erie, Pennsylvania competing against the Electro-Motive Division of La Grange, Illinois. GE collaborated with Deutz-MWM of Germany to design and build the 7HDL engine, capable of 6,250 horsepower (4,660 kW).
The AC6000CW was purchased by two railroads: Union Pacific and CSX Transportation. Union Pacific was so keen to acquire the new locomotive that they ordered 106 units before testing was complete. These units, powered by standard 7FDL prime movers, were rated at 4,400 horsepower. The AC6000CW suffered from various mechanical issues, most notably with its engine. Vibrations were a major problem, causing other components to fail.
Despite these issues, the AC6000CW set a world record in 2001 when eight of the locomotives operated by the Australian mining company BHP Billiton worked together to haul the heaviest and longest train ever recorded. The AC6000CWs pulled 99,734 tonnes and 682 wagons over a distance of 275 kilometres, setting a record that still stands today.
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The Wabtec ES58ACi is the most powerful Wabtec heavy-haul diesel-electric locomotive
The ES58ACi locomotive stands out as the most powerful heavy-haul unit in their lineup. It is equipped with the latest model GEVO V16 cylinders diesel engine, operating on a 4-stroke cycle and producing 6000 GHP. The engine is fully turbocharged, utilizing two turbochargers and an intercooler to maximize performance. This advanced engine design allows the locomotive to achieve higher levels of rail horsepower while also improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions when compared to other models.
One of the key advantages of the ES58ACi is its AC-propulsion technology, which provides individual traction motor control. This innovative feature enables the locomotive to maximize traction effort, ensuring optimal performance even in challenging conditions. The AC-propulsion system not only enhances traction but also contributes to the locomotive's overall efficiency and reliability.
The Wabtec ES58ACi is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the railway industry. With its advanced engine technology, AC-propulsion system, and focus on reducing emissions, the ES58ACi sets a new standard for heavy-haul diesel-electric locomotives. This locomotive showcases Wabtec's expertise in combining durability and performance, solidifying its reputation as a leading manufacturer of world-class locomotives.
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Electro-diesel locomotives can be powered by electricity or onboard diesel engines
Electro-diesel locomotives, also known as dual-mode or bi-mode locomotives, can be powered by electricity or an onboard diesel engine. They are designed to serve niche markets and provide continuous journeys on routes that are only partially electrified. These locomotives can also be used to cross non-electrified tracks, such as at level crossings or freight yards, and offer a solution where diesel engines are banned.
The power output of the diesel generator and traction electric motors in electro-diesel locomotives is typically lower in pure electric mode when powered by overhead lines. However, it is still sufficient to maintain normal train speeds. For instance, the Stadler Euro Dual locomotive can produce 1-2.8 MW (1,300-3,800 hp) in diesel mode and up to 7 MW (9,400 hp) in electric mode.
Electro-diesel locomotives use diesel-electric transmission and the same traction electric motors in both autonomous and electric modes, although with different power outputs. They may be designed primarily for electric or diesel use, or they may be adapted to work well in either mode. The electrical equipment and diesel generator occupy varying amounts of space in the engine room, depending on the power and size of the diesel engine.
In a diesel-electric locomotive, the diesel engine drives either a DC generator or an AC alternator-rectifier, with the output providing power to the traction motors that drive the locomotive. There is no mechanical connection between the diesel engine and the wheels. The locomotive's diesel engine is connected to an electric generator, which may be either DC or AC. The electric generator produces energy to power the motors that turn the wheels and run the locomotive.
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Diesel-electric locomotives are electrically driven, with diesel engines driving an alternator
Although diesel locomotives first came to American railroads in the 1920s, they were confined to switch engines and later to passenger train locomotives. By the 1930s, diesel-electric technology was being used to propel high-speed intercity trains in Germany and bring high-speed mainline passenger service to the United States. Diesel-electric locomotives are electrically driven, with diesel engines driving an alternator.
In a diesel-electric locomotive, the diesel engine drives either an electrical DC generator (generally less than 3,000 hp net for traction) or an electrical AC alternator-rectifier (generally 3,000 hp net or more for traction). The output of which provides power to the traction motors that drive the locomotive. There is no mechanical connection between the diesel engine and the wheels. The important components of diesel-electric propulsion are the diesel engine (also known as the prime mover), the main generator/alternator-rectifier, traction motors (usually with four or six axles), and a control system consisting of the engine governor and electrical or electronic components.
The diesel engine in a diesel-electric locomotive provides the drive for the main alternator, which, in turn, provides the power required for the traction motors. The power required from the diesel engine is related to the power required by the motors. On locomotives with an alternator, the load regulation is done electronically, and engine speed is measured by counting the frequency of the gear teeth driven by the engine. Modern diesel engines use an electronic governor system that replicates the requirements of the mechanical system.
The AC6000CW, built between 1995 and 2001 by GE Transportation, is among the world's most powerful single-engined diesel locomotives. It was designed for extremely high horsepower needs, such as pulling heavy coal and ore trains. The AC6000CW was designed at the height of a horsepower race between the two major locomotive manufacturers, Electro-Motive Division of La Grange, Illinois, and GE Transportation of Erie, Pennsylvania, in the early to mid-1990s.
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Diesel-electric propulsion was brought to high-speed mainline passenger service in the US in 1934
The diesel-electric locomotive is a type of railway locomotive with a diesel engine as its power source. The diesel engine drives an alternator, which produces electricity to run electric motors mounted on the locomotive's axles. This type of locomotive brings some of the advantages of electrification to railroads without the costly power distribution and feed-wire systems of electric locomotives.
In the US, diesel-electric propulsion was introduced to high-speed mainline passenger service in 1934, thanks to research and development efforts by General Motors dating back to the late 1920s. This was a significant advancement as it brought the benefits of electric locomotives without the need for expensive electrification infrastructure. The Burlington Route and Union Pacific were the first to use custom-built diesel "streamliners" for passenger service.
The development of diesel-electric technology in the US built upon earlier advancements in Europe. In 1922, Fiat claimed to have built the first Italian diesel-electric locomotive, and in 1924, the Soviet railways introduced their first diesel-electric locomotive. By 1925, a small number of diesel locomotives were in service in the US, and in 1930, Armstrong Whitworth delivered two 1,200 hp locomotives to Argentina.
In the late 1930s, General Motors' Electro-Motive Corporation began producing standardised locomotives, including the E series streamlined passenger locomotives. The performance and reliability of the new 567 model engine in these locomotives demonstrated the potential of diesel technology in passenger and freight service. By the end of World War II, diesel locomotives had become a proven and standardised form of motive power, leading to their widespread adoption in North America.
One of the most powerful single-engined diesel locomotives is the GE AC6000CW, built between 1995 and 2001 by GE Transportation. With 6,000 horsepower, it was designed for hauling heavy coal and ore trains. This locomotive set a world record in 2001 when it hauled 99,734 tonnes and 682 wagons over a distance of 275 kilometres.
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Frequently asked questions
The latest diesel-electric locomotive is the ES58ACi, which is manufactured by Wabtec Corporation.
The ES58ACi locomotive is the most powerful Wabtec heavy-haul diesel-electric unit in operation. It features the latest model GEVO V16 cylinders diesel engine, AC propulsion technology, and individual traction motor control, maximizing traction effort and achieving higher levels of rail horsepower.
The ES58ACi locomotive offers lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and less asset downtime for repair compared to other diesel-electric locomotives. It also has extended overhaul intervals, making it a cost-effective option for heavy-haul applications.
Yes, the GE AC6000CW is a notable diesel-electric locomotive built between 1995 and 2001 by GE Transportation. It is among the world's most powerful single-engined diesel locomotives, with a horsepower of 6,000 (4,500 kW). It was designed for pulling heavy coal and ore trains and is currently in use by railroads such as Union Pacific and CSX.
