Types Of Parts Used In Electric Locomotives

Electric Locomotive Parts include all types of parts used in electric locomotives. These parts are operated by electricity derived from overhead lines or on board energy storage like fuel cell or battery. In 1837, Robert Davidson, the famous chemist built the first electric locomotive. Batteries or galvanic cell were used to power it. Later, Galvani, a larger locomotive was built by him. In 1879, Werner von Siemens at Berlin presented the first passenger train driven by electric. This train reached a speed of 13 kilometers per hour and consisted of series wound motor of 2.2 kilowatt, three cars and other locomotive parts.

There are many electric locomotive parts. some of which are discussed below:-

• Brake Lever :- A handle which is utilized for operating brakes of a train or of a locomotive is called a brake lever.
  
  
  
  The brake levers of diesel and steam locomotives look alike. In many electric locomotives, a joystick is used instead of a handle. There are various types of brake levers which are used for various purposes.

Some of these includes:-

1. Dynamic Brake - Slowing down of a train or limiting the speed of a locomotive is done by a secondary brake instead of emergency brakes which is called dynamic brake.
2. Lap Brake - The brake of the entire train or locomotive is controlled by the main brake which is called the lap brake.
3. Emergency Brake - In emergency situations the brake that immediately stops the entire train or the locomotive is called emergency brake.
4. Independent Brake - The own individual brakes of the locomotives which are used to stop the locomotive is called the independent brake.

• Pantograph - The device that is used to power an electric locomotive by collecting an electric current is known as pantograph. These devices are operated to make a connection with a cable or an electrified overhead wire.
  
  
  There are various types of sizes and shapes of pantographs which depend upon the power supply system, power requirements, speed of the train or locomotive etc. The primary parts of a pantograph are lower arm, upper arm and a head. The head is used for current collection which utilizes metalized carbon strips.
• Coupler:- The locomotives and the rolling stock are connected on a train with the help of a coupler.
  
  
  These types of couplers include hook with buffers, knuckle, connecting rod or hook and magnetic.
• Connecting Rod :- The mechanical parts of a locomotive are connected from one to other with the help of connecting rods.
• Cab: -The section of the locomotive housing the engineer or train driver or assistant of the driver or firemen for the required operations and controls of the locomotive is called the cab.