ComparisonofVariousRailwayTractions: (Locomotives) Characteristics SteamEngine Diesel Engine ElectricEngine Source of Energy Steam obtained by burning coal or oil Diesel Oil Electric Energy supplied from overhead lines or on‐board storage device. (Producedatasourcebygenerator ,turbineetc.byusingWater, Steam,DieselorGasoline)Uti lizati on of Power Consumes power whi le operating as well as during temporary halt, results in excess power consumption No power is consumed during hal t No power is consumed during hal t Oper ation Skill Skil led Oper ator / Driver is required Skill ed Oper ator is not required Skill ed Oper ator is not required Tra ctive Effort produced Less Trac tive Effort is produced (Non‐UniformTorque)Moder ate Tr acti ve Effor t is produced More (than require d) tractiv e effort can be produced Over Load Capaci ty Upt o 25 % operating over load capaci ty Gre ater over load capaci ty is possible Very High over load capaci ty is possible. Thermal Eficiency Upto 7 % 25 – 27 % 85 – 90 % Operating Speed On rising grade operating speed is comparatively less On rising grade moderate operating speed is possible On rising grade very high operating speed is possible Rate of acceleration Low rate of acceleration Moderate Rate of Acceleration High rate of acceleration Tra ck Riding Jerky operation over track, Hammer blow causes rail damage No damage is caused to tr ack Smooth ri di ng, no damage at al l to tr acks. Cost of Locomotiv e Less Compar ati vely mor e Compar ati vely Very High Life of Loc omotive Around 35 – 40 years Around 20 – 40 years (e ngine & parts) Above 40 years Hauling Capacity Fixed number of coaches More number of coaches Large number of coaches can be used for full utilization of power. Reversing of Tr ain Requires Tur n T able Rev ersing of Engine Reversing not required, engine can be oper ated in both direction. Smoke and ire Emits Smoke and Fire No ire but Less amount of smoke is emitted No ire, No smoke is emitted, Hence Eco‐ friendly. Space & power consumption due to fuel Consumes space and power for transportation of Coal and Water Needs comparatively less space and power for transportation of diesel (fuel) Carrying fuel is not required. Repair and maintenance High Moderate More Operators / Manpower required Minimum 3 – 4 Person are requir ed to operate Mi ni mum 1 person is suf icient Mi ni mum 1 pe rson is suf icient Compiled by :Surendra Tople Permitted for Non-Commercial Educational uses only, Commercial use and distribution is Prohibited. 1
