CSXfoamer1997
OBS Chief
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2015
- Messages
- 575
The UP 8500-HP Gas Turbine Locos, aka the Big Blows, were said to be reliable successful locos, but why did they have such a short service life of 10 or so years?
They used Bunker C Fuel Oil.Might it be that an 8500 HP locomotive is just a wee bit too much, and didn't they use jet fuel, costing $$$?
Also known as Residual Fuel Oil, meaning that's it's essentially sludge. :blink: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_oil#/media/File:Residual_fuel_oil.JPG The wiki article indicates that Bunker C is the cheapest grade of petroleum fuel but must be heated to flow andThey used Bunker C Fuel Oil.Might it be that an 8500 HP locomotive is just a wee bit too much, and didn't they use jet fuel, costing $$$?
Heating the oil is also a delicate procedure, which is inappropriate to do on small, fast moving vehicles.
They were so successful they had to be retired in ten years? Sounds like gas turbine engines blow alright.The UP 8500-HP Gas Turbine Locos, aka the Big Blows, were said to be reliable successful locos, but why did they have such a short service life of 10 or so years?
Turbines actually have higher fuel economy if and only if you can keep the turbine going at constant high speed all the time (high speed or stopped). Which would mean using enormous batteries as a "buffer" in the electric transmission. Which wasn't possible until recently. Turbine-battery-electric locomotives may be practical in the coming years.Gas turbine power has been tried numerous times in various railroad and highway vehicles, and while it does have some nice advantages, it always comes down to inferior fuel economy versus reciprocating engines, as well as much higher initial purchase cost.
That's the problem in a land vehicle---keeping the turbine spinning at its most efficient speed constantly. Much easier in an aircraft or vessel.Turbines actually have higher fuel economy if and only if you can keep the turbine going at constant high speed all the time (high speed or stopped). Which would mean using enormous batteries as a "buffer" in the electric transmission. Which wasn't possible until recently. Turbine-battery-electric locomotives may be practical in the coming years.Gas turbine power has been tried numerous times in various railroad and highway vehicles, and while it does have some nice advantages, it always comes down to inferior fuel economy versus reciprocating engines, as well as much higher initial purchase cost.
Interesting....thanks for the link. I suppose sooner or later someone will develop a practical example......http://spectrum.ieee.org/cars-that-think/transportation/advanced-cars/electric-truck-startup-nikola-motors-claims-23-billion-preorder-before-prototype-is-even-ready
Well it seem the turbo and battery power motor vehicle is just around the corner. Ok this story is a big PR push, but they might be able to produce one.
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