Re: Re: XPT's Reduced

[David Johnson <trainman@ozemail.com.au>]

On Sun, 6 May 2001 09:10:37 +1000, "Adam Dunning"
<adamdunning@start.com.au> wrote:

>The cost of the power car or generator for HEP could be cost prohibative for
>such a small service.  As far as I know, the XP carriages use some
>multi-phase power system which is not your normal run of the mill 415v
>3-phase.  Does anyone know what type of power is fed to the trailers?

There is a variable voltage variable frequency 3 phase supply to the
trailers which is tapped off an auxiliary alternator on the main drive
shaft.  It is up to about 415V 50 Hz.  50Hz would be attained at 1500
RPM.   The air conditioning units have a crossover system, not sure
exactly how, but they seem to reduce fan speed when the driver goes
from Notch 3 to Notch 4.   Maximum fan speed is achieved in Notch 3.
As the supply is not constant, all sorts of problems are encountered.
Only resistive ovens may be used in the buffet, and I believe all
lighting is run from 120VDC, rectified from the supply, and regulated
across the batteries.   Microwave ovens were trialled in the buffet,
but due to the fluctuating supply, they kept exploding.   The sleeper
cars have 240VAC shaving outlets.  These run off 120VDC via a 40W
inverter.

Things would be so much easier with a PHA power van providing constant
415V 50Hz power!


Open to corrections, of course.


David Johnson
trainman@ozemail.com.au
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~trainman/
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