Transportation (technology 86)

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 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), Journal Name: IEEE Spectrum; (United States) Vol. 23:1; ISSN IEESA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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