Turbo-electric

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UP 18, a locomotive with a turbo-electric drivetrain

UP 18, a locomotive with a turbo-electric drivetrain

A turbo-electric transmission uses electric generators to convert the mechanical energy of a turbine (steam or gas) into electric energy and electric motors to convert it back into mechanical energy to power the driveshafts.

Turbo-electric drives are used in some locomotives (gas turbines, e.g. with the first TGV) and ships (steam and sometimes gas turbines). The advantage of the turbo-electric transmission is that it allows the adaptation of high-speed turning turbines to the slow turning propellers or wheels without the need of a heavy and complex gearbox.

A disadvantage shared with the more common diesel-electric powertrain is that because of the double conversion of mechanical energy to electricity and back more energy gets lost than with a mechanical transmission. Gas turbine are however usually less energy efficient than equally sized diesel engines. Efficiency can be increased, if the exhaust gases of the gas turbine is used to generate steam which powers a steam turbine (Combined cycle/Combined gas and steam).

Canberra's steam turbine

driving an alternator

powering a motor

driving a propellor shaft

SS Canberra- most powerful steam turbo-electric units in a passenger ship, 42,500 shp per shaft, 2 shafts
USS Langley(CV-1)
Lexington class aircraft carriers
USS New Mexico (BB-40)
Colorado class battleship
USS Glenard P. Lipscomb (SSN-685)
SS Normandie- most powerful steam turbo-electric passenger ship ever, 40,000 shp per shaft (50,000 shp at max power), 4 shafts
RMS Queen Mary 2- powered by General Electric gas turbines in addition to her diesel generators to produce the power to drive her four Rolls-Royce MerMaid electric podded azimuth thrusters.

Turboelectric drive in American Capital Ships @ www.navweaps.com

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This locomotive-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

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Categories: Marine propulsion | Engine technology | Water transport stubs | Locomotive stubs

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