By deploying the latest Head-on-Generation (HoG) technology in its train operations, the Vijayawada division of Indian Railways (IR) is saving energy on a “large scale” and is also reducing pollution.
To start with, it converted two rakes of the Gudur–Vijayawada Intercity Superfast Express and Vijayawada–Lingampalli Superfast Express into HoG, which is estimated to save approximately ₹4.02 crore per annum. One more rake is under conversion.
Divisional railway manager P. Srinivas stated in a press release that HoG was adopted by IR in medium and high speed train operations in which power for coaches and traction are drawn from the overhead supply system.
The work involved modification of the electrical systems of power cars and coaches and all new coaches from the production units were to be HoG-compliant.
The DRM complimented senior divisional electrical engineer V. Venkata Ramana for implementing the project and stated that IR was looking for application of HoG on the existing fleet of locomotives and interconnected rakes which were currently using the End-on-Generation (EoG) system of power supply.
In the HoG system, power will be drawn from the overhead electric supply and the power generator cars which used to make a huge noise and emit fumes will no longer be there.
In place of two such generator cars, there would be one standby silent generator car for use during emergency and a LHB second luggage, guard and ‘Divyaang’ compartment.
This compartment would have the capability to convert power from the overhead supply for use in the entire train while providing space for luggage, guard room and additional passengers.
Currently, the cost of electricity is ₹36.14 per unit for self-generating coaches (diesel traction), ₹12.37 for self-generating coaches (electric traction), ₹22 for EoG and ₹6 per unit for HoG.
Under the HoG system, a train’s ‘hotel load’ (the load of air conditioning, lights, fans and pantry) is powered by electricity drawn from the overhead lines through the pantograph.
The train’s hotel load under EoG is provided with electricity that comes from two large diesel generator sets which supply 3-phase power to the entire length of the train.
