Power Sources
See also: Traction current converter plantElectrical power originates at seven generation or conversion facilities. The nameplate capacity of all the power sources in the system is about 354 MW. The instantaneous peak loading on the system is between 210-220 MW (as of c. 2009) during the morning rush hour, and up to 225 MW during afternoon. Peak load has risen significantly in the last decade - in 1997 the peak load was 148 MW. As a point of comparison, an HHP-8 electric locomotive is rated for a 6 MW (equivalent to 8,000 hp) mechanical output, after conversion and Head End Power losses.
Regardless of the source, all converter and generator plants supply power to the transmission system at 138 kV, 25 Hz, single phase, using two wires. Typically at least two separate 138 kV circuits follow each right of way to supply the lineside substations.
Currently, the following converter and generating plants are operable, although all are rarely in operation simultaneously due to maintenance shutdowns and overhaul:
| Location | Capacity (MW) | In-service | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnyside Yard (Long Island) | 30 | c. 1996 | Static Inverter |
| Metuchen | 25 | 1933 | Motor Generator |
| Richmond | 180 | 2002 | Static Inverter |
| Lamokin | 48 | 1928 | (3) Motor Generators |
| Safe Harbor | 81 | 1938 | (2) Water turbines; (1) Motor Generator |
| Jericho Park | 20 | 1992 | Static Cycloconverter |
| System Total Capacity | 354 |
Three types of equipment are currently in operation: hydroelectric generators, motor-generators (sometimes called rotary frequency converters), and static frequency converters.
Read more about this topic: Amtrak's 25 Hz Traction Power System
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