Train Technology: How does the train run, which technology is used?

Every day lakhs of passengers travel by Indian Railways. You must have also traveled by train at some time or other. There have been many changes in trains now as compared to earlier. India has made many changes in the railway system since independence. One of these is the electric engine. Nowadays most of the trains are running on electricity. The speed of the train has increased a lot as compared to earlier.

But have you ever wondered why the electricity supplied to the train never goes off? Where does the engine get power from when the train is on a long route?

According to the railways, trains that run on electricity require 25 thousand volts (25KV). This current reaches the engine through a machine called a pantograph mounted on the engine. The pantograph works by rubbing against the wire mounted on the train. Electricity enters the train through these wires.

Two types of pantographs are used in electric trains. WBL is used for double-decker passengers. High-speed pantographs are used in normal trains.

Current is supplied through the pantograph from the wire above. A current of 25KV (25,000 volts) is supplied to the main transformer of the electric engine, which makes the engine run.

When the train passes through the railway track, weight is generated on it and the spring attached to the metal track gets compressed. This starts a speed in the rack, pinion mechanism, and chain drive. When this speed passes through the flywheel, rectifier, and DC motor, electricity is generated.

Railways get electricity directly from the power grid. The grid is supplied from the power plant. From there it is sent to the substations. Direct 132 KV supply goes to the railways from the substation. From here 25KV is given to OHE. Electricity substations are visible on the side of railway stations. Due to direct electricity supply, tripping does not occur here.