Regenerative brakingRegenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism that slows down a moving vehicle or object by converting its kinetic energy or potential energy into a form that can be either used immediately or stored until needed. Typically, regenerative brakes work by driving an electric motor in reverse to recapture energy that would otherwise be lost as heat during braking, effectively turning the traction motor into an electric generator.
Electric generatorIn electricity generation, a generator, also called an electric generator, electrical generator, and electromagnetic generator is an electromechanical device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy for use in an external circuit.
Electric locomotiveAn electric locomotive is a type of locomotive powered by electricity from overhead lines, a third rail or on-board energy storage such as a battery or a supercapacitor. Locomotives with on-board fuelled prime movers, such as diesel engines or gas turbines, are classed as diesel–electric or gas turbine–electric and not as electric locomotives, because the electric generator/motor combination serves only as a power transmission system.
Traction motorA traction motor is an electric motor used for propulsion of a vehicle, such as locomotives, electric or hydrogen vehicles, or electric multiple unit trains.Diesel locomotiveThe ČKD ČME3, a common example of a diesel shunting locomotiveThe InterCity 125 set a speed record – 148 mph (238 km/h) – for a diesel-powered train in 1987.
ResistorA resistor is a passivetwo-terminalelectronic component that implements electrical resistance as a circuit element. In electronic circuits, resistors are used to reduce current flow, adjust signal levels, to divide voltages, bias active elements, and terminate transmission lines, among other uses. High-power resistors that can dissipate many watts of electrical power as heat may be used as part of motor controls, in power distribution systems, or as test loads for generators.
TrolleybusA trolleybus (also known as trolley bus, trolley coach, trackless trolley, trackless tram (in the 1910s and 1920s), road tram or simply trolley) is an electric bus that draws power from dual overhead lines (generally suspended from roadside posts) using spring-loaded or pneumatically raised trolley poles. Two wires, and two trolley poles, are required to complete the electrical circuit.Multiple unitA multiple-unit train (or multiple unit (MU)) is a self-propelled train or trainset composed of one or more carriages joined, and where one or more of the carriages have the means of propulsion built in. By contrast, a locomotive-hauled train has entirely unpowered carriages. An implication of this is that all powered carriages must be controllable by a single engineer or driver, which falls under the broader concept of multiple-unit train control.
Hybrid electric vehicleA hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a type of hybrid vehicle that couples a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) with one or more electric engines into a combined propulsion system. The presence of the electric powertrain, which has inherently better energy conversion efficiency, is intended to achieve either better fuel economy or better acceleration performance than a conventional vehicle.
TramStreet-running rail transitFrom top, left to right: Several Tatra T3s, which, with over 14,000 units, is the most-produced type in history; an Alstom Citadis 100 of the Silesian Interurbans; a historic cable car of the San Francisco cable car system; Zurich tram with multiple-unit train control; a Bombardier CR4000 of Tramlink near West Croydon.A tram, also known as a tramcar, streetcar or trolley is a form of urban rail transit in which vehicles, whether individual railcars or multiple-unit trains, run on tramway tracks laid on or parallel to public streets, or operate in segregated right-of-ways.
Electric carAn electric car or electric vehicle (EV) is an automobile that uses electrical energy as the primary source of propulsion.
FrictionFriction is the force resisting the relative motion of solid surfaces, fluid layers, and material elements sliding or grinding against each other. Types of friction include dry, fluid, lubricated, skin, and internal – an incomplete list. The study of the processes involved is called tribology, and has a history of more than 2,000 years. Friction can have dramatic consequences, as illustrated by the use of friction created by rubbing pieces of wood together to start a fire.
RailcarA railcar (not to be confused with the generic term "railroad car" or "railway car"), or motor car is a self-propelled railway vehicle designed to transport passengers. The "self-propelled railcar" refers to a railway train consisting of a single coach (or carriage, car, unit), with a driver's cab at one or both ends. In its simplest form, a "railcar" may also be little more than a railbus or motorized draisine.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.