TPWS (Train Protection and Warning System), Vigilance Control, Slip/Slide Control, Main Overload Relay, No Volt Relay, Over Voltage Protection and Earth Fault Relay
The Indian locomotive class WAG-11 is a class of twin-section 25 kVACelectric locomotives that was developed in 2018 by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi for Indian Railways. This freight engine has been designed for a speed of 105 km/h and weighs 252 tons. It is equipped with a 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.
As of January 2023, 4 locomotives are built and are undergoing "testing", with further examples being converted from WDG-4 to WAG-11.
History
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
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
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
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]
^"Mission Electrification To Cover 24,000 Km Track In 5 Years". NDTV.com. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
^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.