Transportation (technology 86)

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · IEEE Spectrum; (United States)

OSTI ID:5977583

Caplan, G

As railroads strive to cut operating and maintenance costs in an increasingly competitive transportation industry, AC propulsion and microprocessors figure prominently in their plans. New generations of locomotives and cars incorporating AC propulsion and microprocessors entered service last year, and the trend is destined to continue. Electronics is also making possible freight trains that rely on a telemetry unit at the rear to monitor airbrake pressure, instead of a manned caboose. AC is gaining acceptance because it permits simpler motors with fewer parts to wear and replace, and it saves energy by allowing the traction motors to work as generators during braking. Microprocessors are being used in locomotives not only to reduce energy waste through better regulation of traction motor currents and auxiliary devices such as cooling fans, but also to control engine speed, braking, and other functions.

• OSTI ID: 5977583
• Journal Information: IEEE Spectrum; (United States), Vol. 23:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
LOCOMOTIVES
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
ELECTRIC MOTORS
RAILROAD CARS
ALTERNATING CURRENT
BLOWERS
BRAKES
COOLING SYSTEMS
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
MACHINE PARTS
MICROPROCESSORS
OPERATING COST
PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
SPEED REGULATORS
TELEMETRY
WEAR
COMMUNICATIONS
COMPUTERS
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
CONTROL SYSTEMS
COST
CURRENTS
DATA TRANSMISSION
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
MICROELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
MOTORS
TRAINS
VEHICLES
320202* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Transportation- Railway