The economic crisis has seriously affected worldwide rail cargo transport. The latest cargo transport technologies aim to reduce energy consumption, increase the efficiency of cargo flows and improve fleet management and automation. The downturn impact has resumed old topics on equipments, such as the acquisition of new equipments instead of rehabilitation, electric instead of diesel traction or automation instead of human-controlled operations. Suppliers propose sustainable, economic and operable solutions compatible with the systems of as many countries as possible.
Siemens has launched the new generation freight locomotive, VECTRON. Launched as “the Universal European Locomotive”, the new Vectron has been developed for the widest possible range of traction tasks. The locomotive is available in various performance classes and covers all types of voltages and power supply systems in Europe and the CIS. The class includes several variants and power supply systems – with either alternating current (AC), direct current (DC) or multi-system type – enabling the locomotive to be configured easily to individual requirements. Country-specific automatic control systems can simply be exchanged or added. Another special feature is the front end that is designed as an internal deformation zone. This can be readily disconnected from the rest of the body, thus ensuring easy replacement in the event of an accident. The components in the machine compartment are arranged to make the best possible use of space. The completely modular concept is also suitable for operators who require only small numbers of vehicles. Siemens has also simultaneously developed the Railcover concept, a comprehensive maintenance service which includes on-the-spot assistance in case of accident and the possibility to rapidly exchange the body or the damaged components without necessarily disassembling the locomotive.
Shunting locomotives on ultracapacitors or variable bogies
Shunting locomotives also use new technologies. In the US, Norfolk Southern has recently tested a battery shunting locomotive. With 1,500 HP, the battery recharges by using energy recovered during braking. This is expected to enable the locomotive to run for three shifts before recharging.
In Poland, NEWAG manufacturer has launched the new generation prototype of shunting locomotives, 15D, based on the SM48 platform and which proves to be a concept designed to gradually replace obsolete Soviet shunting locomotives in Poland.
The innovation consists in a bogie shift system which enables the operation on both standard and broad, Russian gauge. Without the complexity of variable electronic-controlled bogies, the Newag system is based on an electro-mechanic process.
Fuel suppliers have become aware of the operators’ need to reduce fuel consumption and invest in projects aimed to reduce energy consumption and create more eco-friendly fuels. The American company International Fuel Technology believes the additive created by the company, DiesoLIFT 10, could significantly reduce fuel consumption in applications operated on diesel fuels. Rather than being petroleum-based, IFT’s proprietary fuel additive formulations are derived from a mixture of surfactant substances, which prevents the premature engine wear.
Air industry helps rail technologies
In reducing costs, operators could implement automated solutions for efficient operations and cargo transport flows. A relevant example is RailEdge Movement Planner (REMP), a software package consisting in equipments installed in vehicles and traffic interlocking units, launched by GE Transportation in June 2010 and which increases average operational speed with up to 20% without requiring infrastructure modernisation. Energy consumption is also reduced by 6%. The REMP package is based on the air transport systems and can be implemented on conventional rail systems, irrespective of the infrastructure condition and features.
by Alin Lupulescu
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