Re: Engine Voltage

["Chris Stratton" <stratton.chris.cp@bhp.com.au>]

"Peter" <pmilne@the.net.nz> wrote in message
GL%z5.6450$O7.116256@ozemail.com.au">news:GL%z5.6450$O7.116256@ozemail.com.au...
> In article <XZZz5.58632$c5.161771@newsfeeds.bigpond.com>, dsma@pigpond.com
> pontificates...
> >
> >I went for a spin in an 81 class (Goulburn-Wollongong and return) the
other
> >day and being curious was wondering if anyone can fill me in on the
> >electrics. I noted the max amps was up to 1200 with a continuous figure
> >somewhere near 800. I understand these locos produce about 2400kw which
at
> >1200 amps would equate to 2000 volts DC. A voltage this high would seem
to
> >carry a significant risk of arcing and I was wondering if this really is
a
> >problem or have I got the numbers wrong.
>
> There seems nothing out of the ordinary with that sort of voltage
especially
> when you consider that NSW (and Wellington, New Zealand and many other
places)
> use 1600 volts (or so) DC overhead supply for electric locos and multiple
> units.
>
> Peter
>
The traction motors are connected in combinations of series/parallel and
would only get full voltage if there is a full parallel connection. 81 class
have an alternator as have all NSW diesel-electric locos since 44235.
--
Regards,
Chris Stratton
Wollongong, NSW, Australia