﻿GET_GEVOMechL2_09_01_01_04 - ANIMATION Screen
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Contrary to popular belief, a locomotive is not directly powered by the mechanical energy produced by the diesel engine.

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Instead, there is a conversion of mechanical energy from the diesel engine to electrical energy and once again back to mechanical energy by the traction motors.

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This conversion process is necessary because the use of mechanical energy alone would require a transmission system the size of a house to handle the power of the diesel engine!

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The ES44AC locomotives are typically equipped with either a 5GMG203 or 5GMG205 alternator.

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These alternators connect to the crankshaft through an externally mounted flex plate.

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The flex plate is first mounted to the crankshaft, and then the alternator’s rotor is bolted to the flex plate.

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The ES44DC locomotives are typically equipped with a 5GMG206 alternator.

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The 5GMG206 is different from the 5GMG203 and 5GMG205 in the fact that its traction alternator is sized according to the application requirements.

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Although these alternators are not identical, the basic operation and maintenance is the same for all.

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Regardless of the alternator model, the alternator’s purpose is to convert the rotational mechanical energy from the diesel engine into electrical power that will be used to power the traction motors and the locomotive’s systems.
