Comparison

of Various Railway Tractions: (Locomotives) Characteristics Source of Energy Steam Engine Steam obtained by burning coal or oil Diesel Oil Diesel Engine Electric Engine Electric Energy supplied from overhead lines or onboard storage device.
(Produced at a source by generator, turbine etc. by using Water, Steam, Diesel or Gasoline)

Utilization of Power

Consumes power while operating as well as No power is consumed during halt during temporary halt, results in excess power consumption Skilled Operator / Driver is required
(NonUniform Torque)

No power is consumed during halt

Operation Skill

Skilled Operator is not required Moderate Tractive Effort is produced Greater over load capacity is possible 25 27 %

Skilled Operator is not required More (than required) tractive effort can be produced Very High over load capacity is possible. 85 90 %

Tractive Effort produced Less Tractive Effort is produced Over Load Capacity Thermal Ef iciency Operating Speed Rate of acceleration Track Riding Cost of Locomotive Life of Locomotive Hauling Capacity Reversing of Train Smoke and ire Upto 25 % operating over load capacity Upto 7 %

On rising grade operating speed is On rising grade moderate operating On rising grade very high operating speed is comparatively less speed is possible possible Low rate of acceleration Moderate Rate of Acceleration High rate of acceleration Smooth riding, no damage at all to tracks. Comparatively Very High Above 40 years Large number of coaches can be used for full utilization of power. Reversing not required, engine can be operated in both direction. Jerky operation over track, Hammer blow No damage is caused to track causes rail damage Less Around 35 40 years Fixed number of coaches Requires Turn Table Emits Smoke and Fire Comparatively more Around 20 40 years (engine & parts) More number of coaches Reversing of Engine

No ire but Less amount of smoke is No ire, No smoke is emitted, Hence Eco emitted friendly. for Needs comparatively less space and Carrying fuel is not required. power for transportation of diesel (fuel) Moderate More Minimum 1 person is suf icient
1

Space & power Consumes space and power consumption due to fuel transportation of Coal and Water Repair and maintenance High

Operators / Manpower Minimum 3 4 Person are required to Minimum 1 person is suf icient required operate
Compiled by :Surendra Tople

Permitted for Non-Commercial Educational uses only, Commercial use and distribution is Prohibited.

Suitability

1) Light Traf ic 2) Coal and Water is easily available

1) For moderate to heavy traf ic 2) Preferred where cost of coal &/or water is high, and electric locomotive is uneconomical. 3)

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Heavy Loads / Higher Performance Steep Grades High Speed Suburban Traf ic Underground Railways

Advantages of Electric Traction over Steam and Diesel Traction An electric locomotive is a locomotive powered by electricity from overhead lines, a third rail or an onboard energy storage device (such as a chemical battery or fuel cell). Electric locomotives are generally used for o Heavy Loads / Higher Performance o Steep Grades o High Speed o Suburban Traf ic o Underground Railways One advantage of electri ication is the lack of pollution from the locomotives themselves. Electri ication also results in higher performance, lower maintenance costs and lower energy costs for electric locomotives. Electric locomotives are also quiet compared to steam or diesel locomotives since there is no engine and exhaust noise and less mechanical noise. The lack of reciprocating parts means electric locomotives are easier on the track, reducing track maintenance. Power plant capacity is far greater than what any individual locomotive uses, so electric locomotives can have a higher power output than steam or diesel locomotives and they can produce even higher shortterm surge power for fast acceleration. Electric locomotives are ideal for commuter rail service with frequent stops and very versatile since their Tractive effort is higher. They are best used locomotives for highspeed trains also. Electric locomotives bene it from the high ef iciency of electric motors, often above 90% (not including the inef iciency of generating the electricity). Additional ef iciency can be gained from regenerative braking, which allows kinetic energy to be recovered during braking to put some power back on the line. Newer electric locomotives use AC motorinverter drive systems that provide for regenerative braking. Disadvantages: The chief disadvantage of electri ication is the cost for infrastructure, electric devices (overhead power lines or electri ied third rail, substations, and control systems).
Compiled by :Surendra Tople Permitted for Non-Commercial Educational uses only, Commercial use and distribution is Prohibited. 2