Let me point you to a Wiki entry....
Serial Hybrids
Most of what I've read, indicates that that a traditional locomotive is a series hybrid by definition -- which is what I am working off of: the definition.
From the article:
Quote:
The power from the combustion engine must run through both the generator and electric motor, so the engine-to-transmission efficiency is 70%-80%, which is less than a conventional mechanical clutch having an engine-to-transmission efficiency of 98%. During long-distance highway driving, the combustion engine will need to supply the majority of the energy, in which case a series hybrid will be 20%-30% less efficient than a parallel hybrid.
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Electromotive locomotives have used this concept for over 60 years.
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Although less "efficient" than light-duty conveyances, it has a design to handle the tractive effort.
The argument of "recapturing energy", goes beyond the definition of "energy from two distinct sources" -- a hybrid is just that.
The argument of a "transmission" being a source of energy is inaccurate -- it is a
transfer of energy. One can make an argument that a locomotive generator produces electricity.
I get both points, but the definition has been established in common discussion.
RH77