Ultimate backup generator?

MikeIA · Sep 10, 2005

On the radio I heard that they are powering the temporary prison in the New Orleans bus/Amtrak depot with a train locomotive. I knew locomotives were electric, but I guess I assumed that it was DC, or some strange frequency AC...like 400hz on aircraft (and ships?).

Anyone know what flavor electrons you get from a train?

DaveNay · Sep 10, 2005

Probably what you heard is that they are using a power generator that is the same engine as a locomotive, not necissarily a locomotive itself. The locomotive companys actually make a good bit of their business selling power units. Check out the Electro-Motive web site for some interesting info.

Dave

California · Sep 11, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( On the radio I heard that they are powering the temporary prison in the New Orleans bus/Amtrak depot with a train locomotive. )</font>

Amtrak locomotives probably supply 110 volt power to outlets or appliances in the train cars. This might be sufficient for minimal emergency services in the terminal.

Here is what I believe is the original news story:

"By Gwen Filosa
Staff writer

"... The temporary jail was ... outfitted with everything a stranded law enforcer could want, including top-of-the-line recreational vehicles to live in and electrical power, courtesy of a yellow Amtrak locomotive. There are computers to check suspects' backgrounds ..."

I found it in
Times Picayune Weblog [Times Picayune is the principal newspaper of New Orleans]. Search for 'locomotive' on that page.

techman · Sep 11, 2005

The engine most likely runs an anlernator, which is solid state converted to DC for the drive system. Having 60 hz available simplifies things like HVAS, computers, etc which enables commercial equipment.

paul

Volfandt · Sep 11, 2005

I actually saw the news report about the "GreyHound" prison and yes, it showed the diesel locomotive engine and yes it was supplying all their electrical power.

Keep in mind that all the diesel engine does is turn an AC/DC exciter generator which inturn supplys electrical power not only to drive the train but also supply electrical power for every car it pulls.

Volfandt

midlf · Sep 12, 2005

AMTRAK locos supply large amounts of 3phase 480v power to the train cars for lights, heat and AC. I suspect that is the system being tapped into for power.