Multisystem locomotives

Multisystem (electric) locomotives – a locomotive that can move around using a variety of voltage, as well as its different types. Such engines do not stop moving from one system to another electrification using a short time interval for switching over from one voltage to another.

What are multi-system locomotives? Because of the large difference in electrification of the railways, sometimes within the same country, such systems can be changed several times, the trains must frequently move from one system to another. This significantly increases the delivery of goods, as when arriving at the switching station with a different voltage locomotive changing on the other. Such plants have the upper wire, which can move from one voltage to another, thus the train arrives with one locomotive and decreases with another. Often, it is very inconvenient, requires a lot of cost and time.

That is why it is expedient and cost-effective use for rail locomotives that can “adapt” to the conditions of the various stations. In Europe used engines that can operate with four systems: (DC 1.5 kV, DC 3 kV, 15 kV ⅔ 16 Hz AC, 25 kV, 50 Hz AC).

Multisystem locomotives are low cost operation and maintenance. When operating on highways, they can reach speeds of up to 140 km / h when transporting freight trains up to 200 km / h when transporting passenger trains. They are used to ensure uninterrupted travel on routes that use more than one system of electrification, as well as over long distances, crossing the borders of different countries and states with different systems and types of energy.

Antonenko MI 14.01.16