Electric-steam locomotive
Encyclopedia
An electric-steam locomotive is a steam locomotive
that uses electricity to heat the water in the boiler
to create steam. This is a highly unusual type of locomotive that only makes economic sense under specific conditions. Normally it would be much more efficient to build and use an electric locomotive
. However, lack of time and resources (as during wartime), lack of coal
or similar fuel, and the presence of relatively cheap and available electricity may make conversion of an existing steam locomotive into an electric-steam locomotive a viable proposition.
. During the Second World War, the Swiss Federal Railways fitted several small 0-6-0
steam locomotives (used for shunting
) with a pantograph
, so they could use hydroelectricity as a power source. Power was taken from overhead lines
(15 kV, 16.6 Hz), and fed to heating elements in the boiler, via two transformers rated together at 480 kW. These locomotives also retained capability to be fired by coal.
steam locomotive may be prepared for service by using an external electric pre-heater. This allows steam to be raised gradually during the night so that the locomotive will be ready for use in the morning.
Steam locomotive
A steam locomotive is a railway locomotive that produces its power through a steam engine. These locomotives are fueled by burning some combustible material, usually coal, wood or oil, to produce steam in a boiler, which drives the steam engine...
that uses electricity to heat the water in the boiler
Boiler
A boiler is a closed vessel in which water or other fluid is heated. The heated or vaporized fluid exits the boiler for use in various processes or heating applications.-Materials:...
to create steam. This is a highly unusual type of locomotive that only makes economic sense under specific conditions. Normally it would be much more efficient to build and use an electric locomotive
Electric locomotive
An electric locomotive is a locomotive powered by electricity from overhead lines, a third rail or an on-board energy storage device...
. However, lack of time and resources (as during wartime), lack of coal
Coal
Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock usually occurring in rock strata in layers or veins called coal beds or coal seams. The harder forms, such as anthracite coal, can be regarded as metamorphic rock because of later exposure to elevated temperature and pressure...
or similar fuel, and the presence of relatively cheap and available electricity may make conversion of an existing steam locomotive into an electric-steam locomotive a viable proposition.
Switzerland
Switzerland has no natural reserves of coal, but the mountainous region offers plentiful, and cheap, hydroelectricityHydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy...
. During the Second World War, the Swiss Federal Railways fitted several small 0-6-0
0-6-0
Under the Whyte notation for the classification of steam locomotives, 0-6-0 represents the wheel arrangement of no leading wheels, six powered and coupled driving wheels on three axles, and no trailing wheels...
steam locomotives (used for shunting
Switcher
A switcher or shunter is a small railroad locomotive intended not for moving trains over long distances but rather for assembling trains ready for a road locomotive to take over, disassembling a train that has been...
) with a pantograph
Pantograph (rail)
A pantograph for rail lines is a hinged electric-rod device that collects electric current from overhead lines for electric trains or trams. The pantograph typically connects to a one-wire line, with the track acting as the ground wire...
, so they could use hydroelectricity as a power source. Power was taken from overhead lines
Overhead lines
Overhead lines or overhead wires are used to transmit electrical energy to trams, trolleybuses or trains at a distance from the energy supply point...
(15 kV, 16.6 Hz), and fed to heating elements in the boiler, via two transformers rated together at 480 kW. These locomotives also retained capability to be fired by coal.
Electric pre-heater
A conventional coal-fired or oil-firedOil burner (engine)
An oil burner engine is a steam engine that uses oil as its fuel. The term is often used with reference to a locomotive or ship engine that burns oil, to heat water, to produce steam which drives the pistons, or turbines, from which the power is derived. Some engines of this form were originally...
steam locomotive may be prepared for service by using an external electric pre-heater. This allows steam to be raised gradually during the night so that the locomotive will be ready for use in the morning.