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    • NG Sulzers posted
    Posted in Signalling and Infrastructure » High Voltage Direct Current electrification

    Having spent some 25 plus years in the Navy, I have been a maintainer of 400Hz supply equipment. Out of 24VDC, 115VAC 60Hz, 440VAC 60Hz, 115VAC/205VAC 400Hz, 220VDC and 440VDC, the 400Hz Static Inverters would have to have been the most unreliable pieces of kit that smoke was ever stored in. Never had much problem with any of the other supplies.
    I have been on vessels where 400Hz has been produced by rotating machinery, and I have also been on vessels where 400Hz has been produced by Static Inverters. Surprisingly, notwithstanding the DC prime mover for the rotating machine, it was more reliable.
    400Hz consumers belong to the 'Miliamp Tramps', combat, communications and weapons systems. 400Hz was never used to turn a motor,  or any serious amperage consumers.
    AC motors all belonged in the 60Hz family, a 400Hz motor wouldn't wind up a mouse trap.
    400Hz is certainly not a mountain mover, which is a desirable requirement in rail.
    Also, 400Hz could not be supplied from shore connection, only 220VDC, 440VDC and 440VAC 60Hz were supplied from shore.

    Edit history

    Edited 30 Jul 2016 22:13, 5 years ago, edited by NG Sulzers

    Having spent some 25 plus years in the Navy, I have been a maintainer of 400Hz supply equipment. Out of 24VDC, 115VAC 60Hz, 440VAC 60Hz, 115VAC/205VAC 400Hz, 220VDC and 440VDC, the 400Hz Static Inverters would have to have been the most unreliable pieces of kit that smoke was ever stored in. Never had much problem with any of the other supplies.
    I have been on vessels where 400Hz has been produced by rotating machinery, and I have also been on vessels where 400Hz has been produced by Static Inverters. Surprisingly, notwithstanding the DC prime mover for the rotating machine, it was more reliable.
    400Hz consumers belong to the 'Miliamp Tramps', combat, communications and weapons systems. 400Hz was never used to turn a motor,  or any serious amperage consumers.
    AC motors all belonged in the 60Hz family, a 400Hz motor wouldn't wind up a mouse trap.
    400Hz is certainly not a mountain mover, which is a desirable requirement in rail.