Indian locomotive class WAG-11

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 105-km/hourspeed and weighs 252 tons. It is equipped with 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.

WAG-11
BNDM based WAG-11 (no. 29003) at BLW yard
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
DesignerBLW
BuilderBLW
Build date2018 – present
Total produced4
RebuilderBLW
Rebuild date2019-1-1
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARTwin C-C, C'C'
 • UICTwin Co-Co, Co'Co'
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
TrucksHTSC
Wheel diameterNew: 1,092 mm (3 ft 7 in)
Full-worn: 1,016 mm (3 ft 4 in)
Length:
 • Over beams2X 21,244 mm (69 ft 8 in)
Width3,180 mm (10 ft 5 in)
Height:
 • Pantograph4,255 mm (14 ft 0 in)
Axle load48,500 lb (22,000 kg)
Loco weight252 tonnes (248 long tons; 278 short tons) 2*126 Ton
Power supply25 kV 50 Hz AC Overhead
Electric system/s25 kV 50 Hz AC Overhead
Current pickup(s)WBL - 85 HR pantograph
AlternatorTA-17-CA6A AC
Traction motors2*6nos.,3-PhaseInductionmotor, AC traction motors @ 2180V ​
 • Continuous1,000 hp (750 kW)
Gear ratio17:90
Loco brakeAir Pneumatic Regenerative brake
Train brakesAir
Safety systemsTPWS (Train Protection and Warning System), Vigilance Control, Slip/Slide Control, Main Overload Relay, No Volt Relay, Over Voltage Protection and Earth Fault Relay
CouplersH - type transition coupler
Performance figures
Maximum speed105 km/h (65 mph)
Power output12,000 hp (8,950 kW) / 12,000 hp (8,950 kW)
Tractive effort2*540 kN (120,000 lbf)
Brakeforce2*270 kN (61,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsIndian Railways
Numbers29001+
Official nameWAGC4
Delivered2018-9-1
First run2019-1-1
DispositionActive
currently undergoing trials

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

History edit

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.[8] 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.[9] 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 edit

There are quite a few differences between the two earlier prototypes of WAG11 and 29003. They are in the following lines:[10]

  • Instead of an articulated design, DLW made both locos as twin cab locos (they may be able to independently operated after decoupling)
  • Two pantographs each on both the locos - making is 4 pantographs for 29003 unit
  • The loco shell is placed at the same height as a WAP7/WAG9 and is carefully covering the chassis. In earlier versions, the EMD chassis / under-frame was used and was visible. 29003 almost looks like it is made on WAG9 chassis / under-frame and EMD bogies/traction motors have been used.
  • The cow-catcher is new and of typical WAP7/WAG9 net design. The solid EMD cowcatcher has been discontinued.
  • On top of the cabs, either a dynamic brake radiator or rooftop AC has been installed.
 
A WAG-11 with the Serial Number of 29003

Units edit

Locomotives in class
No Current class locomotive number Previous class and Road no Previous shed Status
1 WAG-11 29001 WDG-4 (12011 & 12018) Hubli (UBL) Currently undergoing trials
2 WAG-11 29002 WDG-4 (12014 & 12017) Hubli (UBL) Currently undergoing trials
3 WAG-11 29003 WDG-4 (12012 & 12013) Hubli (UBL) Currently undergoing trials
Comparison of three versions of WAG 11[11]
S.N. Version 1 (29001) Version 2 (29002) Version 3 (29003/4)
1 Transformer mounted on board. Transfer under slung mounted. Transfer under slung mounted.
2 Transformer common to WAP7/WAG9. New design transformer used. Transformer common to WAG9.
3 New 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.
4 Under slung battery box of WAG9/WAP7 used. Battery placed on board. Under slung battery box of WAG9/WAP7 used.
5 One end cab used. One end cab used. Both end cab with HVAC as in WAG9.
6 Side 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.
7 Roofs 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.
8 Uderframe 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)
Technical Data[12]
1 Type of Service Freight
2 Axle Arrangement Twin Co-Co
3 Horse power 2x6000 HP
4 Tractive effort (Stall, Continuous) 2x540 KN (Stall), 2x400 KN (Continuous)
5 Speed Potential 95 kmph (As per final speed certificate)
6 Gear Ratio 17:90
7 Length over buffer 2x21244 mm
8 Overall width 3180 mm
9 Max. height with pantograph locked 4255 mm
10 Total weight 2x126 T
11 Traction Motor 2x6 nos, 3-phase induction motor
12 Power of TM (KW) 703 (Continuous), 758 (one hour rating)
13 Braking Regenerative, Pneumatic
14 Braking effort 2x270 KN
15 Power supply to aux 1, 2, 3 converter 415 V +/- 10%, 0 to 50 Hz
16 Battery voltage 110 V
17 Power supply to TM 2180 V
18 No of power converters 2

For Conversion edit

Railway Board sent a circular to identify 16 WDG-4 locos that would be converted to WAG-11 during the financial year 2020–2021.[13]

No locomotives class Previous shed locomotive number Status ref
1. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12002 to be converted in 2020-2021 by NR [14]
2. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12003 conversion scheduled for March 2020 [15]
3. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12004 conversion scheduled for March 2020 [16]
4. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12005 to be converted in 2020-2021 by NR [17]
5. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12006 to be converted in 2020-2021 by NR [18]
6. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12007 converted to WAG-11 #29002 [19]
7. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12008 conversion scheduled for March 2020 [20]
8. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12009 conversion scheduled for March 2020 [21]
9. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12010 scheduled for March 2020 [22]
10. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12011 converted to 'WAG-11' #29001 [23]
11. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12012 converted to 'WAG-11' #29003 [24]
12. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12013 converted to 'WAG-11' #29003 [25]
13. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12014 converted to 'WAG-11' #29002 [26]
14. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12015 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SR [27]
15. WDG-4 Krishnarajapuram (KJM) 12016 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SR [28]
16. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12017 converted to 'WAG-11' #29002 [29]
17. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12018 converted to 'WAG-11' #29001 [30]
18. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12019 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SR [31]
19. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12020 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SR [32]
20. WDG-4 Krishnarajapuram (KJM) 12021 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SR [33]
21. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12022 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SER [34]
22. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12023 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SER [35]
23. WDG-4 Hubli (UBL) 12024 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SER [36]
24. WDG-4 Krishnarajapuram (KJM) 12025 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SR [37]
25. WDG-4 Krishnarajapuram (KJM) 12026 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SCR [38]
26. WDG-4 Krishnarajapuram (KJM) 12027 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SCR [39]
27. WDG-4 Krishnarajapuram (KJM) 12028 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SCR [40]
28. WDG-4 Krishnarajapuram (KJM) 12029 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SCR [41]
29. WDG-4 Krishnarajapuram (KJM) 12030 to be converted in 2020-2021 by SER [42]

Locomotive shed edit

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

See also edit

References edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/worlds-first-12000-hp-converted-electric-locomotive-rolls-out/67431945
  2. ^ Nanda, Jyotika Sood,Prashant K. (September 12, 2018). "Govt approves 100% electrification of railways by 2021-22". Livemint. Retrieved May 4, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ "Conversion Order" (PDF).
  4. ^ "Mission Electrification To Cover 24,000 Km Track In 5 Years". NDTV.com. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  5. ^ Srinand Jha (January 15, 2020). "Modi govt wants 100% rail electrification but doesn't know what to do with diesel engines". ThePrint. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  6. ^ "WAG-11 traction" (PDF).
  7. ^ "डीरेका ने बनाया सबसे शक्तिशाली रेल इंजन, जांच के लिए भेजा गया तुगलकाबाद शेड". Amar Ujala. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  8. ^ Wag 11 on short Run II Railway Tube II, retrieved May 15, 2020
  9. ^ "Electric Locomotive Allocation and Transfer Updates". RailPost.in - Indian Railways News & Analysis. March 13, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  10. ^ "Tender WAG-11" (PDF).
  11. ^ "BLW Annual Report 2019-20" (PDF).
  12. ^ "BLW Achievement 2019-20" (PDF).
  13. ^ Chowdhury, Soumik. "4595911-0: List of SWR WDG4 loco nominated for Conv - Railway Enquiry". indiarailinfo.com. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  14. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12002 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  15. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12002 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  16. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12003 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  17. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12005 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  18. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12006 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  19. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12007 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  20. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12008 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  21. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12009 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  22. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12010 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  23. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12011 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  24. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12012 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  25. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12013 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  26. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12014 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  27. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12015 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  28. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12016 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  29. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12017 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  30. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12018 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  31. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12019 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  32. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12020 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  33. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12021 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  34. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12022 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  35. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12023 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  36. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Hubli (UBL) WDG-4 12024 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  37. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12025 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  38. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12026 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  39. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12027 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  40. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12028 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  41. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12029 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  42. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways Locomotive Roster Krishnarajapuram (KJM) WDG-4 12030 Show". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 28, 2020.

Bibliography edit