Specifications
The locomotives have a maximum power output of 5,880 kW (7,890 hp), and are capable of a continual power output of 5,400 kW (7,200 hp). This gives a maximum speed of 200 km/h (120 mph) and a tractive effort of 275 kN (62,000 lbf). The locomotive is fed 15 kV 16⅔ Hz AC power from the pantograph. This is then converted to direct current before being converted to three-phase electricity through one of three gate turn-off thyristors. Each bogie has three rectifiers, each connected to a transformer that is again connected to two inverters. The motors are three-phase asynchronous motors located in the bogie frame and equipped with regenerative brakes. There is also an auxiliary three-phase power supply which powers the compressor, pumps, ventilators and other auxiliary equipment, operated by four separate inverters. The controller is a 16-bit microprocessor that communicates using optical fiber cables. The rectifier, auxiliary rectifiers, controllers and the error and diagnostic system is of the same type as used on the NSB Class 70 multiple units.
Each unit weighs 83 t (82 long tons; 91 short tons). The body is 18,500 millimeters (60 ft 8 in) long, 3,000 mm (9 ft 10 in) wide and 4,322 mm (14 ft 2.2 in) wide. The center distance between the bogies is 11,000 mm (36 ft 1 in) and the center wheel distance in the bogies is 2,800 mm (9 ft 2 in). The wheel diameter is 1,125 mm (3 ft 8.3 in)—this is 25 mm (0.98 in) larger than the Re 460. The El 18 has a Knorr HSM mechanical braking system, but unlike the Swiss versions does not have a rail brake. The design of the locomotive was by the Italian company Pininfarina. The machine room is designed with a center aisle, the driver's cabs have pressurization applied to avoid air pressure dropping when running through tunnels, and the cabs are equipped with air conditioning.
El 18 is a modification of the Swiss Re 460. The class was originally built in 119 units from 1992 to 1995 for the Swiss State Railways, where it was given the brand Lok 2000. It was part of a project to create a series of new intercity locomotives and cars. Bern–Lötschberg–Simplon-Bahn received eight units in 1994 (as Re 465), the Finnish State Railways received 20 in 1995 (as Sr2) and the Kowloon–Canton Railway Corporation received 2 units in 1997. The units are designed to haul heavy passenger trains along existing curved railways at high speeds. It is designed as a universal locomotive, so it is also suitable for freight trains.
Read more about this topic: NSB El 18