The Hindu Business Line : CLW rolls out new version of 3-phase electric loco

HAVING fully achieved the primary objective of manufacturing the 3-phase WAG9 (Freight) and WAP5 (Passenger) class of electric locomotives, for which transfer of technology was originally received from ADtranz, Switzerland (now Bombardier Transportation), Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) has recently rolled out the new variant of WAG9 class - the 6000 HP WAP7 - a modern 3-phase electric loco intended to haul 24/26 coach main/express trains up to 140 km/hr.

In the current year, CLW has also taken up full-fledged development of a high-tractive effort freight locomotive, namely, WAG9H, basically a variant of WAG9. CLW has also achieved progressive indigenisation of the various systems/sub-systems and equipment, and as of now, the five key equipment of the 3-phase locomotive, constituting 67 per cent of the loco's cost of Rs 13.30 crore, have been successfully developed through transfer of technology partners.

The five items are traction converter, auxiliary converter, vehicle control electronics, transformer and traction motor. Asked on the current status of indigenous vendor development, Mr Sujeet Mishra, Deputy Chief Electrical Engineer, Centre for Design & Development (D&D), CLW, said among the top domestic companies making these equipment are Crompton Greaves, BHEL/EDN Bangalore, Nelco Ltd, EMCO, NGEF and KEC.

Talking to Business Line here recently on the on-going developmental and design work on electric locos, Mr Mishra said the WAP7 was a basic freight version with CO-CO arrangement, which has been modified for passenger operation with a service speed of 140 kmph instead of the 100 kmph in the case of WAG9.

The maximum service speed here has been increased, whereas the starting tractive effort requirement is less, being a passenger version. According to the CLW top brass, in most sections of the railways, maximum speeds were between 130 and 140 kmph range only, and that the requirement was for hauling more coaches at these speeds. This objective, it is pointed out, would be achieved by WAP7.

He felt the future high-speed trains will be hauled by the WAP7 locomotive, and the demand is likely to increase. CLW, till date, has turned out 7 Nos of WAP7 locos, costing Rs 13.30 crore each.

Suggesting that the developments also helps in standardisation of mechanical and electrical systems, Mr Mishra said the WAP7 modifications included change of gear ratio as well as changes in the complex application software (both done in-house) so as to take care of the revised performance characteristics.

He said CLW has received the full backing of the Development Cell of the Railway Board in achieving the design-development work being carried out.