 
Large amounts of copper and copper alloys are required for train locomotives
and overhead electrification systems. Copper is also used in rail
signaling systems, switchgear, motor windings, commutator bars, firebox
plates, and other systems.
More than 7,200 kilograms (16,000 pounds) of copper is used in the
latest powerful locomotives. These diesel-electric behemoths use fabricated
copper conductor bars for the rotors of their six three-phase AC induction
motors and copper wire for winding the stators. The 6,000 hp engines
rely on copper-wound generators, copper and brass radiators for cooling,
copper tube for refrigeration and heating, and more than 8 kilometers
(5 miles) of copper wire for power and communications. |
