Prime mover (locomotive)

For other uses, see Prime mover.
An EMD 12-645E3 turbocharged two-stroke diesel engine, installed in an Irish 071 class locomotive

In engineering, a prime mover is an engine that converts chemical energy of a fuel into useful work.[1] In a locomotive, the prime mover is thus the source of power for its propulsion.[2] In an engine-generator set, the engine is the prime mover, as distinct from the generator.

  1. ^ Kennedy, Rankin (1905). The Book of Modern Engines and Power Generators. Vol. I. London: Caxton. p. 33.
  2. ^ Boyle, Bryan 'Bob' (2000). The Napier Way. Bookmarque Publishing. p. 149. ISBN 1-870519-57-4.