Inverter

[Pete Masterson]

Some electrified rail systems capture the energy from dynamic braking
(using the DC drive motors as generators) to return power to the
system. However, the equipment is expensive and heavy.

Diesel-electric locomotives also have dynamic braking - the DC drive
motors are wired to act as generators when going down grades. The
power is converted to heat via the biggest toaster grid you would
ever see. (Watch a railroad locomotive as it goes down a long grade
and you may see the 'heat waves' coming out on the top of the unit.
It will also have a characteristic dynamic brake whine if you're
within earshot.)

BBs are pretty big, but not quite in the same category as
locomotives. The expense and electrical/mechanical complexity makes
recapturing the energy not cost effective.


Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
El Sobrante, CA




On Jan 8, 2007, at 6:49 PM, Gregory OConnor wrote:

> The drive line retarder uses power? You would think some one could
> build an electric alternator for an engine and drive line retarder
> that takes the energy of a stop and produces amps to store in a
> battery bank. Think of all the wasted effort it takes to hold back
> 40,000 lbs.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]