Power generation
Electrical engineering components for rail traction

In autonomous traction, energy is generated by an internal combustion engine. . The most frequently used is the turbocharged diesel engine, although turbochargers are also used in a few cases. Electrical drive is provided by a three-phase alternator, coupled to the diesel engine's crankshaft. Auxiliary power is supplied by :

• or via a dedicated winding wound on the alternator stator;

• an auxiliary alternator flange-mounted on the main alternator.

The main alternator delivers three-phase voltage at variable frequency and voltage, rectified by a three-phase diode bridge.

Today's power schemes generally use induction motors powered by IGBT inverters. These are identical in every respect to those used in electric traction. .