Very Hot piece of Equipment

[SithMurcielago]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2axeb7pp1R0


I love how Gensets are becoming so widely used on major railroads. I wonder if we will see one in Railworks anytime soon.

[arizonachris]

OK, dumb question time. What's the difference between a "Genset" and a diesel electric? They both just generate electricity, which is used to drive the traction motors, right?

[johnmckenzie]

I think it works like this -

A genset unit is powered by 2 or 3 smaller engines / generator units. The individual units are started and stopped in response to actual drawbar power demand. The advantage is you run these smaller engines only as required, and run each at or near its optimum point for fuel economy and emissions. Also when standing a genset runs only a single unit as needed to keep air up and charge the starting batteries - otherwise all the engines shut down completely.

[micaelcorleone]

I think it works like this -

A genset unit is powered by 2 or 3 smaller engines / generator units. The individual units are started and stopped in response to actual drawbar power demand. The advantage is you run these smaller engines only as required, and run each at or near its optimum point for fuel economy and emissions. Also when standing a genset runs only a single unit as needed to keep air up and charge the starting batteries - otherwise all the engines shut down completely.

Yes, the Gensets are very fuel-efficient. I don't know how common this feature is for switchers in the US, but if I recall it corretly Gensets are also fully radio-controllable.

[arizonachris]

Cool, thanks, Y'all. I learn something new every day here. It's what I love about this place.