Alstoms hybrid locomotives on course for
success
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. The hybrid locomotive, presented at Innotrans 2010, has
been subjected to endurance tests since 2008 and these tests
will be extended to another four locomotives by the end of
2011.
“We are pleased that our innovative concept of the hybrid
locomotive enters the next phase. Alstom presented the
prototype for the first time at Innotrans 2006. Today we are
starting the next round together with DB and MEG“, said
Klaus Hiller, Head of the Service and Locomotives business at
Alstom Transport Germany. “With the operation of 5 hybrid
locomotives, the operator MEG lays the foundation for the first
hybrid vehicle fleet in Europe. “
“For testing purposes, the prototype was put into daily
service and further developed to market maturity,” Hiller
explained. “Additional vehicles modernized by this
technology can be delivered in Europe by the end of
2011.“
Hybrid technology, which can be used in all heavy shunting
services, reduces fuel consumption by approximately 50% and is
aimed at a Europe-wide market of several thousands of
locomotives that are obsolete. With a top output of 600 kW, the
locomotive has only a small diesel generator of 250 kW and
draws the additional power from batteries that are recharged by
the generator. . In pure battery operation, the locomotive is
especially low in noise and vibrations, which is particularly
advantageous for operation in tunnels or buildings. Thanks to
its compact engine, it is also very silent when the generator
is in operation. In practice, the generator runs less than 50%
of the service time while the large engine of conventional
locomotives runs permanently and idles most of the time.
High-tech on a solid steel basis
For this variant of the hybrid locomotive, BR202 series is
utilized as a basis for modernization. Two central electric
motors with a total output of up to 600 KW drive the vehicle
and are supplied with power from the ALSTOM ONIX hybrid
traction package. This package developed by Alstom includes the
intelligent generator control and the battery management. The
diesel generator meets the Euro IV requirements and is
additionally provided with a particulate filter so that it
substantially exceeds the requirements of conventional shunting
locomotives - with half of the fuel consumption. Thus, the
pollutant emission was reduced by up to 70% compared to
today’s vehicles.
Hybrid locomotives under test
The endurance tests in the partner companies are part of the DB
Green Logistic Programmes. Tests were carried out at DB
Schenker’s subsidiary company MEG, others took place at
DB Regio Mittelfranken, at BASF, in the Rotterdam harbour or in
the Zellstoffwerk Stendal. The partners have agreed to jointly
monitor the locomotives in parallel to daily continuous
operation using Alstom’s remote data transmission,
TRAINTRACER.
ALSTOM Lokomotiven Service GmbH
Alstom Lokomotiven Service GmbH is a joint venture with the
Deutsche Bahn AG, which has been engaged in the field of repair
and modernization of diesel locomotives since November 1, 2002.
A total of around 185 qualified employees are working in the
traditional factory in Stendal in Saxony-Anhalt on a site area
of 65,000 m2 - for their customers, private and national
railway companies at home and abroad. The wide range of
services around the locomotive comprises not only modular
modernization and repair work but also other services as well
as the sale and leasing of diesel locomotives.
About Alstom Transport
A promoter of sustainable mobility, Alstom Transport develops
and markets the most complete range of systems, equipment and
services in the railway sector. Alstom Transport manages entire
transport systems, taking in rolling stock, signaling and
infrastructure, and offers “turnkey” solutions.
Alstom Transport recorded sales of 5.8 billion euros in the
fiscal year 2009-2010 and an increase in orders of 9% compared
to the previous year. Alstom Transport is present in over 60
countries and employs some 26,000 people.
Press contacts
Karen Brouiller (Transport) - Tel : +33 (0)1 57 06 13 05
karen.brouillert@transport.alstom.com
Websites: www.alstom.com,
www.transport.alstom.com