CLW Produces new Class of ‘HOG’ Electric Locomotive

In a unique technological innovation, Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), a production unit of Ministry of Railways has developed a new class of electrical locomotive WAP-7 which besides driving the train will also supply electrical power needed by the entire air-conditioned train attached with it.

Such locomotive will be quite useful for long distance air-conditioned intercity trains like Durontos, Rajdhanis and Shatabdis which need adequate electrical power for air-conditioning , lighting, charging points of all coaches, pantry car, public address system and for this purpose presently two separate diesel operated generator power cars are attached as part of the train configuration. With the introduction of this new class of electric locomotive, these generator cars will not be required in the trains, thereby releasing the additional space for commercial use and will also eliminate noise and air pollution caused by the generator cars.

The new system is also more economical than the diesel generator sets of power cars. The new locos will be equipped with 1000KW hotel load converter. This technology is referred as Head on Generation (HOG) system. Moreover, this 3-phase HOG scheme loco, generates about 12 per cent – 15 per cent of energy through the regenerative braking system. Thus, this HOG loco is highly energy efficient.

AKS/HK/LK/TR
(Release ID :64614)