LRT UTILIZING DC SOURCE

Since the 1970s, most if not all direct current (DC) powered light rail lines constructed in
the United States have included provisions to control stray traction current directly at the source,
i.e. the transit system. Typically, the primary means of minimizing stray current has been to
maximize track-to-earth resistance. All other factors equal, the higher the track-to-earth
resistance, the lower the level of stray current and resulting stray current corrosion impact on
underground metallic pipelines and other nearby metallic structures. For street-running
embedded track sections, early attempts to electrically isolate the rails from ground included a
poured insulating material immediately around the embedded portion of each rail to form an
insulated trough. Another approach used an insulating material under the entire track slab.
These early rail isolation techniques varied in their effectiveness relative to achieving a suitable
design, good workmanship during construction, and long-term durability. Achieving the target
track-to-earth resistance was often a case of hit or miss.
Stray currents emanating from DC powered light rail lines can be effectively minimized to
inconsequential levels by establishing and maintaining a high track-to-earth resistance, which is
practical to achieve. Track designs should be based on in-service conditions expected over the
life of the rail system, including the effects of moisture accumulating on the track surface during
rain events, snowstorms, etc. More recent light rail transit (LRT) lines and extensions to existing
lines predominantly use an electrically high resistant boot for embedded track sections. The
formed boot is fitted around each rail in straight track sections prior to installation of the rail
anchors (fasteners) and placement of the paving. An insulating membrane arrangement
(bathtub) under and around the entire trackway is often used at crossovers, switches, and
other special track-work where the boot design is not suitable.

METHODS OF CAUSING DIRECT CURRENT
Direct current or DC electricity is the continuous movement of electrons from an area of
negative () charges to an area of positive (+) charges through a conducting material such as a
metal wire. Whereas static electricity sparks consist of the sudden movement of electrons from
a negative to positive surface, DC electricity is the continuous movement of the electrons
through a wire.
A DC circuit is necessary to allow the current or steam of electrons to flow. Such a circuit
consists of a source of electrical energy (such as a battery) and a conducting wire running from
the positive end of the source to the negative terminal. Electrical devices may be included in the
circuit. DC electricity in a circuit consists of voltage, current and resistance. The flow of DC
electricity is similar to the flow of water through a hose.
METHODS OF CAUSING ALTERNATING CURRENT
A continuous electric current that periodically reverses direction, usually sinusoid ally.
Electric current that reverses direction periodically, usually many times per second.Electrical en
ergy is ordinarily generated by a public or a private utility organizationand provided to a custom,
whether industrial or domestic, as alternating current.
Flow of electric charge that reverses periodically, unlike direct current. It starts from zero, grows
to a maximum, decreases to zero, reverses, reaches a maximum in the opposite direction,
returns again to zero, and repeats the cycle indefinitely. The time taken to complete one cycle is
called the period (periodic motion), and the number of cycles per second is the frequency; the
maximum value in either direction is the current's amplitude. Low frequencies (5060 cycles per
second) are used for domestic and commercial power, but frequencies of around 100 million
cycles per second (100 megahertz) are used in television and of several thousand megahertz
in radar and microwave communication. A major advantage of alternating current is that the
voltage can be increased and decreased by a transformer for more efficient transmission over
long distances. Direct current cannot use transformers to change voltage.
ADVANTAGES OF ALTERNATING CURRENT
1. The generation of A.C. is cheaper than that of D.C.
2. A.C. machines are simple, robust and do not require much attention for their repairs and
maintenance during their use.
3. Wide range of voltages is obtained by the use of transformer. The magnitude of current can
be reduced by using an inductance or a conductor without any appreciable loss of energy
4. A.C. can easily be converted into D.C. with the help of rectifiers.
5. When A.C. is supplied at higher voltages in long distance transmission, the line losses are
small compared to a D.C. transmission
DISADVANTAGES OF ALTERNATING CURRENT
1. Peak value of A.C. is high and it is dangerous to use so better insulation is required.
2. It attracts person who touches it unlike D.C. which gives a repelling shock.
3. An A.C. is transmitted from surface of the conductor and hence need several strands of
thin wires insulated from each other.

ADVANTAGES OF DIRECT CURRENT
Requires no inverter, therefore reducing system cost and complexity (in smaller
systems)
Efficient, as long as no long wire runs are required (more than 100 or so)
On systems using less than 48 volts, there is very little risk of accidental electrocution.
A good share of the equipment designed to run on DC is highly efficient
DISADVANTAGES OF DIRECT CURRENT
Higher cost associated with wiring large systems with DC because of larger wire,
switches, fusing, etc. required for low voltage, high current applications.
DC appliances and equipment can be difficult to obtain.
Wiring a large DC only system to code can be a NIGHTMARE! ( although smaller DC
systems can be made very safely with little expense )
Increased fire hazard if wire size requirements and maximum circuit ratings are not
strictly adhered to.
DIFFERENTIATE BATTERY AND CELL
The difference between cells and batteries is that a cell is a single unit which converts
chemical energy to electrical energy to deliver a voltage while a battery is composed of a
number of cells in series to get increased voltage. A battery can therefore, also be referred to as
cells. Cell is an electrochemical cell that derives electrical energy from spontaneous redox reaction inside the cell. A
battery is basically nothing but a stack or pile of electrochemical or galvanic cells.