View Single Post
Old 10-12-2010, 05:30 PM   #46 (permalink)
UFO
Master EcoModder
 
UFO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,300

Colorado - '17 Chevrolet Colorado 4x4 LT
90 day: 23.07 mpg (US)
Thanks: 315
Thanked 179 Times in 138 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard View Post
A diesel electric train locomotive does use two power sources: diesel engine(s) and electric motors. It is a serial/series hybrid because only one of those drives the wheels directly. Why would they do this, I wonder? Would a transmission be better; and if so, why don't they use one?
No, it doesn't. A "diesel electric train locomotive" has ONE power source. Diesel. It cannot generate electricity without it, there is no storage mechanism. The electric motor is a robust torque converter, that is all it does.

The Volt can be plugged in for a second source of power. A Prius can be modified to accept a plug-in. A locomotive CANNOT.
  Reply With Quote