Diesel-Electric Locomotives: How They Work, Use Energy, and Can Become More Efficient and Environmentally Sustainable

If you really want to get into diesel-electric technology, this is the book for you. Traction control, slug units, de-rated locomotives, fuel tenders, braking systems, head-end power, the superiority of AC traction motors, it's all here to understand. This is far more interesting than just comparing a diesel-electric locomotives' exterior details.

Walter Simpson, an energy professional who led a nationally recognized campus energy conservation program credited with over $100 million in savings, has had a lifelong interest in railroads. With the assistance of many locomotive and other technical experts, he has applied his energy expertise to diesel-electric locomotives - producing this ground-breaking, comprehensive volume.

This beautifully illustrated, information-packed book, written by an energy expert, allows you to look under the hood of the most modern diesel-electric locomotives through an energy and environment lens. Here you can learn about: How every energy-related component of a contemporary diesel-electric locomotive works, including the diesel engine, alternator, rectifiers, inverters, traction motors, braking systems, auxiliaries, head-end power systems, and aerodynamics.

Locomotive fuel economy technologies and the energy efficiency performance measures kept confidential by the railroad industry. Locomotive Tier 4 emissions regulations, compliance technologies, and their impact on fuel economy. Meeting railroad environmental challenges with alternative fuels and locomotive motive power options.

Contents:

• Introducing the Diesel-Electric Locomotive, pp. 1–20
• How Diesel-Electric Locomotive Systems Work, pp. 21–86
• Diesel-Electric Locomotive Fuel Economy and Energy Efficiency, pp. 87–104
• Energy Efficient Diesel-Electric Locomotive Operation, pp. 105–122
• EPA Emissions Standards
• Tier 4 Locomotives and Energy Impact, pp. 123–134
• Future Directions for Diesel-Electric Locomotives, pp. 135–178
• Railroad Environmental Sustainability, pp. 179–186
• Acronyms and Abbreviations, pp. 187–190
• Selected Sources and Recommended Reading, pp. 191–196
• About the Author, pp. 197–198
• Notes, pp. 199–220
• Index, pp. 221–230.

  Softcover, 220 pages, 10 x 8.5 in., color photographs and graphs.