Indian locomotive class WAG-11 explained

WAG-11
Powertype:Electric
Designer:BLW
Builder:BLW
Builddate:2018 – present
Totalproduction:4
Rebuilder:BLW
Rebuilddate:2019-1-1
Aarwheels:Twin C-C, C'C'
Uicclass:Twin Co-Co, Co'Co'
Trucks:HTSC
Length:2X 202440NaN0
Over Bufferbeams:2X 212440NaN0
Height:42550NaN0
Pantodown:42550NaN0
Width:31800NaN0
Wheeldiameter:New: 10920NaN0
Full-worn: 10160NaN0
Axleload:48500lb
Locoweight: 2*126 Ton
Powersupply: Overhead
Electricsystem: Overhead
Collectionmethod:WBL - 85 HR pantograph
T/M Amps Cont:1000-1NaN-1
Alternator:TA-17-CA6A AC
Gear Ratio:17:90
Tractionmotors:2*6nos.,3-PhaseInductionmotor, AC traction motors @ 2180V
Locobrakes:Air Pneumatic Regenerative brake
Trainbrakes:Air
Locobrakeforce:2*270kN
Safety:TPWS (Train Protection and Warning System), Vigilance Control, Slip/Slide Control, Main Overload Relay, No Volt Relay, Over Voltage Protection and Earth Fault Relay
Coupling:H - type transition coupler
Maxspeed:1050NaN0
Poweroutput:12000-1NaN-1 / 12000-1NaN-1
Tractiveeffort:2*540kN
Operator:Indian Railways
Fleetnumbers:29001+
Officialname:WAGC4
Deliverydate:2018-9-1
Firstrundate:2019-1-1
Disposition:Active
Notes:currently undergoing trials

The Indian locomotive class WAG-11 is a class of twin-section 25 kV AC electric locomotives that was developed in 2018 by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi for Indian Railways. This freight engine has been designed for a speed of 105 km/h and weighs 252 tons. It is equipped with a three-phase induction motor, four power converters and regenerative as well as pneumatic braking system.[1] The model name stands for broad gauge (W), Alternating Current (A), Goods traffic (G), and 11th in series (11). They entered trials service in 2019. A total of 4 WAG-11 pairs have been built by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi.

As of January 2023, 4 locomotives are built and are undergoing "testing", with further examples being converted from WDG-4 to WAG-11.

History

The history of WAG-11 begins in the early 2017 with the stated aim of the Indian Railways to minimize the dependence on diesel locomotives in Indian Railways after recommendation of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).[2] [3] The committee recommended that Expansion of electrified routes across the country will also help in reducing energy cost.[4] Therefore, a large number of WDG-4 diesel locomotives would become surplus after full electrification.[5] Thus Indian Railways decided to convert existing WDG-4 locomotives which needed midlife overhaul into the WAG-11 electric locomotive class.

The same old GT46MAC (WDG-4) traction motors are being used for WAG11. The locomotives had GTO propulsion, a few parts can not be leveraged for the rebuilt to IGBT technology. However, since the power supply now comes from the WAG9 transformer / control, ABB has been updating its WAG9 control software for the EMD 3 phase traction motors for best results.[6] As a result, the diesel power pack of the locomotive will be decommissioned and used as spare parts for interim use since there are still 150+ more GTO WDG-4 in use.

The First WAG-11 unit was allocated TKD for trials and performance monitoring.[7] They are fitted with high rise pantographs and have regenerative braking. After initial testing another unit was built and these 2 locomotives were transferred to Bondamuda (BNDM) for examining working conditions hauling heavy load goods trains.[8] The third prototype 29003 came out of DLW shop but this one is different from the previous two because both the locos have twin cabs and twin pantographs. It looks like they can be separately operated like any regular WAG-9. Also the height and construct of these two locos are extremely similar to WAG9s.

Difference

There are quite a few differences between the two earlier prototypes of WAG11 and 29003. They are in the following lines:[9]

Units

Locomotives in class!No!Current class!locomotive number!Previous class and Road no!Previous shed!Status
1WAG-1129001WDG-4 (12011 & 12018)Hubli (UBL)Currently undergoing trials
2WAG-1129002WDG-4 (12014 & 12017)Hubli (UBL)Currently undergoing trials
3WAG-1129003WDG-4 (12012 & 12013)Hubli (UBL)Currently undergoing trials
Comparison of three versions of WAG 11[10] !S.N.!Version 1 (29001)!Version 2 (29002)!Version 3 (29003/4)
1Transformer mounted on board.Transfer under slung mounted.Transfer under slung mounted.
2Transformer common to WAP7/WAG9.New design transformer used.Transformer common to WAG9.
3New equipment layout in which both power converters were on left side of loco. One before transformer other behind it.Equipment layout similar to WAG9. Both power converters centrally placed above the transformer.Equipment layout similar to WAG9.
4Under slung battery box of WAG9/WAP7 used.Battery placed on board.Under slung battery box of WAG9/WAP7 used.
5One end cab used.One end cab used.Both end cab with HVAC as in WAG9.
6Side wall modified from WAP7 side wall and length increased by approx 3 mtr.Side wall modified from WAP7 side wall and length increased by approx 3 mtr.Side wall and both cabs same as in WAG9.
7Roofs made in 5 parts due to location of power converter and MMD height.Roof made in 4 parts only as both the traction converters are placed centrally.Roof in 3 parts same as in WAP7/WAG9.
8Uderframe made by modifying WGD4 underframe.Uderframe made by modifying WGD4 underframe.Underframe made by modifying WAP7 underframe.
Advantages of WAG 11 (version 3) over WAG 11 with modified under slung transformer- 1 No need to modify WDG4 underframe, particularly partially cutting Center Sill, I Beam and bottom plate. 2 Exactly similar layout of WAG9 used. 3 Transformer common to WAG9. 4 Can also work as a single unit. 5 Cost reduction due to use of complete shell similar to WAG9 (with some changes for ensuring interfacing with WDG4 MTA)
1
Type of ServiceFreight
2Axle ArrangementTwin Co-Co
3Horse power2x6000 HP
4Tractive effort (Stall, Continuous)2x540 KN (Stall), 2x400 KN (Continuous)
5Speed Potential95 kmph (As per final speed certificate)
6Gear Ratio17:90
7Length over buffer2x21244 mm
8Overall width3180 mm
9Max. height with pantograph locked4255 mm
10Total weight2x126 T
11Traction Motor2x6 nos, 3-phase induction motor
12Power of TM (KW)703 (Continuous), 758 (one hour rating)
13BrakingRegenerative, Pneumatic
14Braking effort2x270 KN
15Power supply to aux 1, 2, 3 converter415 V +/- 10%, 0 to 50 Hz
16Battery voltage110 V
17Power supply to TM2180 V
18No of power converters2

For Conversion

Railway Board sent a circular to identify 16 WDG-4 locos that would be converted to WAG-11 during the financial year 2020–2021.[11]

Nolocomotives classPrevious shedlocomotive numberStatusref
1.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12002to be converted in 2020-2021 by NR[12]
2.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12003conversion scheduled for March 2020[13]
3.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12004conversion scheduled for March 2020[14]
4.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12005to be converted in 2020-2021 by NR[15]
5.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12006to be converted in 2020-2021 by NR[16]
6.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12007converted to WAG-11 #29002[17]
7.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12008conversion scheduled for March 2020[18]
8.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12009conversion scheduled for March 2020[19]
9.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12010scheduled for March 2020[20]
10.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12011converted to 'WAG-11 #29001[21]
11.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12012converted to 'WAG-11 #29003[22]
12.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12013converted to 'WAG-11 #29003[23]
13.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12014converted to 'WAG-11 #29002[24]
14.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12015to be converted in 2020-2021 by SR[25]
15.WDG-4Krishnarajapuram (KJM)12016to be converted in 2020-2021 by SR[26]
16.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12017converted to 'WAG-11 #29002[27]
17.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12018converted to 'WAG-11 #29001[28]
18.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12019to be converted in 2020-2021 by SR[29]
19.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12020to be converted in 2020-2021 by SR[30]
20.WDG-4Krishnarajapuram (KJM)12021to be converted in 2020-2021 by SR[31]
21.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12022to be converted in 2020-2021 by SER[32]
22.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12023to be converted in 2020-2021 by SER[33]
23.WDG-4Hubli (UBL)12024to be converted in 2020-2021 by SER[34]
24.WDG-4Krishnarajapuram (KJM)12025to be converted in 2020-2021 by SR[35]
25.WDG-4Krishnarajapuram (KJM)12026to be converted in 2020-2021 by SCR[36]
26.WDG-4Krishnarajapuram (KJM)12027to be converted in 2020-2021 by SCR[37]
27.WDG-4Krishnarajapuram (KJM)12028to be converted in 2020-2021 by SCR[38]
28.WDG-4Krishnarajapuram (KJM)12029to be converted in 2020-2021 by SCR[39]
29.WDG-4Krishnarajapuram (KJM)12030to be converted in 2020-2021 by SER[40]

Locomotive shed

Zone Name Shed code Quantity
BNDM 4
Total Locomotives Active as of January 2023 4

See also

References

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/worlds-first-12000-hp-converted-electric-locomotive-rolls-out/67431945
  2. Web site: Govt approves 100% electrification of railways by 2021-22. Nanda. Jyotika Sood,Prashant K.. 2018-09-12. Livemint. en. 2020-05-04.
  3. Web site: Conversion Order.
  4. Web site: Mission Electrification To Cover 24,000 Km Track In 5 Years. NDTV.com. 2020-05-04.
  5. Web site: Modi govt wants 100% rail electrification but doesn't know what to do with diesel engines. Srinand Jha. 2020-01-15. ThePrint. en-US. 2020-05-15.
  6. Web site: WAG-11 traction.
  7. Web site: डीरेका ने बनाया सबसे शक्तिशाली रेल इंजन, जांच के लिए भेजा गया तुगलकाबाद शेड. Amar Ujala. 2020-05-15.
  8. Web site: Electric Locomotive Allocation and Transfer Updates. 2020-03-13. RailPost.in - Indian Railways News & Analysis. en-US. 2020-05-15.
  9. Web site: Tender WAG-11.
  10. Web site: BLW Annual Report 2019-20.
  11. Web site: 4595911-0: List of SWR WDG4 loco nominated for Conv - Railway Enquiry. Chowdhury. Soumik. indiarailinfo.com. 2020-05-15.
  12. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12002 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  13. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12002 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  14. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12003 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  15. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12005 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  16. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12006 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  17. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12007 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  18. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12008 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  19. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12009 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  20. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12010 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  21. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12011 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  22. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12012 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  23. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12013 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  24. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12014 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  25. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12015 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  26. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12016 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  27. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12017 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  28. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12018 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  29. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12019 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  30. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12020 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  31. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12021 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  32. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12022 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  33. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12023 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  34. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12024 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  35. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12025 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  36. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12026 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  37. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12027 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  38. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12028 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  39. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12029 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.
  40. Web site: [IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12030 Show]. www.irfca.org. 2020-05-28.