How Modern Electric Locomotives Work

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self-propelled = able to move by its own power

delve into = to explore, to search through

AC = alternating current electricity

DC = direct current electricity

pantograph = a jointed framework conveying a current to a train, tram, or other electric vehicle from overhead wires

transformer = an apparatus for reducing or increasing the voltage of an alternating current

rectifier = an electronic device, such as a semiconductor diode or valve, that converts an alternating current to a direct current by suppression or inversion of alternate half-cycles

cabinet = a piece of furniture that is used for storing things

inverter =  device for converting direct current into alternating current

torque = a force that tends to cause rotation

tap changer = an apparatus for changing the connection to an electrical transformer from one tap to another, so as to vary the turns ratio and hence control the output voltage under a varying load

fed to = powered by


See also

Locomotive Anatomy 

EFL subset that concentrates more on language in context than on grammar and language structures. It covers topics from accounting or computer science to tourism and business management. "Specific" means the studying through a field that is already known and relevant to a student.