ELECTRIC AND HIGH SPEED TRAINS
The First Electric Locomotive ran in1879 in Berlin, Germany.
In Europe, electric trains developed as a more efficient alternative to the steam locomotive and diesel -electric power.
Like diesels, electric trains employ electric motors to drive the wheels but, unlike diesels, the electricity is generated externally at a power station.
Electric current is picked up either from a catenary (overhead cable) via a pantograph, or from a third rail.
Since it does not carry its own power-generating equipment, an electric locomotive has a better power-to-weight ratio and greater acceleration than its diesel-electric equivalent.
This makes electric trains suitable for urban routes with many stops. They are also faster, quieter, and less polluting.
The latest electric French TGV (Train a Grande Vitesse) reaches 300 kph (186 mph); other trains, like the London to Paris and Brussels"Eurostar", can run at several voltages and operate between different countries.
Simpler electric trains perform special duties- the "People Mover" at Gatwick Airport in Britain runs between terminals.
No comments:
Post a Comment