3 ms·
Mechanical transmission are in the high 90's percent efficient at highway speed, almost no losses. Diesel Electric transmissions in trains are in the 80's perc
by SigmundA 3y ago
Mechanical transmission are in the high 90's percent efficient at highway speed, almost no losses.
Diesel Electric transmissions in trains are in the 80's percent efficient range, double conversion from mechanical to electrical back to mechanical has higher losses. Trains make up for this with lower rolling and aero resistance, they need the precise traction control of the electric transmission to prevent wheel slip along with the impracticality of mechanically routing power to the wheels. Semis do not have this issue.
- Turskarama 3y agoI suspect modern diesel electric drivetrains are probably in the low 90's, especially with a lithium battery in the middle acting as a buffer so there's never any over-production by the generators. Even if trucks do spend the majority of their time on the highway, it's not all of the time and the efficiency gains every time they need to stop and start are significant.
- ZeroGravitas 3y agoRe-gen likely gets it back over 100% again though.