Which component does the diesel engine turn to supply electrical power to the traction motors?

Which component does the diesel engine turn to supply electrical power to the traction motors?

• A. Battery
• B. Traction motors
• C. Alternator
• D. Main generator

Answer: (D)

In diesel-electric propulsion, the diesel engine provides mechanical power, which is converted to electrical energy by a generator. That electricity then feeds the traction motors, which use it to produce motion for the wheels. The component directly driven by the engine to supply power to the traction motors is the main generator. An alternator is a type of generator, but the system’s standard term for the power source feeding the traction motors is the main generator. The battery isn’t the primary source for the traction motors, and the motors themselves are driven by the electrical energy from the generator, not by the engine mechanically.

In diesel-electric propulsion, the diesel engine provides mechanical power, which is converted to electrical energy by a generator. That electricity then feeds the traction motors, which use it to produce motion for the wheels. The component directly driven by the engine to supply power to the traction motors is the main generator. An alternator is a type of generator, but the system’s standard term for the power source feeding the traction motors is the main generator. The battery isn’t the primary source for the traction motors, and the motors themselves are driven by the electrical energy from the generator, not by the engine mechanically.