Equipment
The F40PH is equipped with a turbocharged EMD 645E3 V16 cylinder, two-stroke, water-cooled diesel engine (prime mover) that develops 3,000 hp (2.2 MW) at 916 rpm. The main (traction) generator converts mechanical energy from the prime mover into electricity that is distributed through a high voltage cabinet to the traction motors. Each of the four traction motors is directly geared to a pair of driving wheels. The gear ratio of the traction motors to wheel axle determines the maximum operating speed of the locomotive; a standard F40PH has a gear ratio of 57:20 allowing a top speed of 103 mph (166 km/h).
While Amtrak's initial order for thirty F40PH locomotives specified 3,000 horsepower (2.2 MW), the next order (from the Chicago RTA, later to become known as Metra) increased that specification to 3,200 horsepower (2.4 MW). Amtrak's earlier units were later uprated to this specification as well. A notable exception are the units purchased and operated by Via Rail Canada, which are rated at 3,000–3,200 horsepower (2.2–2.4 MW).
The F40PH has a fully enclosed carbody which provides a cleaner, somewhat more streamlined appearance than those of conventional hood unit type construction. While en route, all-weather access to components is possible; passage through the engine room (and to trailing units) normally is used only during maintenance at repair points.
To support passenger service, the F40PH has another electrical alternator known as the head end generator. The HEP unit generates three-phase AC power at 480 V AC, 750 A or about 500 kW to provide power to the passenger cars for lighting, heating, and air conditioning. Originally F40PHs all powered the HEP alternator from the 16-645E3 prime mover; head end power must be delivered to the train at a constant frequency, so the prime mover had to turn at a constant 900 RPM while supplying head end power (even if the locomotive was standing still with the throttle in Idle). Power to the traction motors was controlled by varying the field excitation of the main (traction) generator.
On some later versions of the F40PH (and on many rebuilt F40s) a second small diesel engine at the rear of the locomotive powers the HEP alternator. In these engines prime mover speed varies in the usual way, depending on the traction power needed; they can be identified by the small diesel exhaust at the rear end of the locomotive and by their quiet idle. Remaining F40s with the constant-RPM prime movers have been referred to as "screamers".
The MPI version of the F40PH was built by Morrison-Knudsen.
Read more about this topic: EMD F40PH
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