Focusing at minimization in dependency on fossil fuels, Indian Railways has begun equipping it’s Linke Hofmann Busch(LHB) coaches with ‘Head o­n Generation’ (HOG) system.
This eliminates the necessity of a running diesel generator.
Under the HOG system electricity supply to run fans, lights, ACs and other o­n-board equipment on coaches are powered by an electric locomotive.
Using reduced requirement of o­n-board diesel generating set, released space in power car cum guard van can be used for making compartment for a differently able person and additional space for the parcel. Such coaches are already under manufacture by railway coach factories and expected in service very soon.
But in order for power supply arrangement in HOG rake from a locomotive, it is utmost important that HOG system of rake and locomotive is fully functional and free from defect to prevent any detention and inconvenience to passengers.
Different locations are allotted for the maintenance of locomotive and coaching rakes, so the combines testing of HOG system is possible only when the locomotive is attached to rake and in case of any chances of defects in the train getting late increases.
Indian Railways’ Electric locomotive shed Kanpur has now come up with an innovative solution to overcome this constraint.
“The Electric locomotive shed Kanpur through the provision of “test switch” in HOG circuitry which bypasses the need of rake being attached to loco to test the functioning of HOG convertor,” the North Central Railway zone of Indian Railways said in an issued statement.
It further added that through this innovative arrangement now locomotive HOG system can be tested independently. Thus, any possible defect can be rectified in time.
North Central Railway zone is incorporating HOG technology in 16 out of total 17 primary LHB rakes and saving 75,000 litres diesel annually through the minimized running of diesel generator sets.
Likewise, 41 locomotives of North Central railway are fitted with HOG convertor to cater all HOG rakes in different primary train o­n NCR including Prayagraj Express, Shramshakti Express, Humsafar Express, Shatabdi Express, Chambal Express, etc.