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Hybrid Locomotive is a locomotive or multiple unit train that uses an on-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) (battery or ultracapacitors) and a fueled power source for propulsion.

Hybrid trains typically are powered either by fuel cell technology or the more conventional diesel-electric hybrid which reduces fuel consumption through regenerative braking and switching off the hydrocarbon engine when idling or stationary (as used in automobiles such as the Toyota Prius).

Energy used by train operations makes up approximately 70% of all energy consumed by railroad companies, so reduction of this not only provides environmental benefits but economic advantages as well.

Examples in use or under development

ČKD DA 600

In 1986 Czechoslovak locomotive manufacturer ČKD build prototype of hybrid shunting locomotive DA 600. Locomotive has 190-kW diesel engine and four electric motors with maximum overall power 360 kW powered from batteries. Batteries were recharged while diesel engine was running, by regenerative braking or from electric plug.

After tests on Railway test circuit Velim and some minor tweaks locomotive was lent to Olomouc train depot and successfully operated there for ten years. Czechoslavak socialist economics failed to start mass production, mainly because of lack proper battery manufacturing capacities.

JR fuel cell train

In May 2003 JR East started test runs with the so called NE (new energy) train and validated the system's operability (series hybrid with lithium-ion battery) in cold regions.

With two 65-kilowatt fuel cells and six hydrogen tanks under the floor and a battery on the roof. It is capable of 100km/h (60mph) with a range of between 50 and 100 km (30 and 60 miles) without needing to be refilled.

Research is underway into the use of regenerative braking to recharge the train's batteries with the energy used to stop the train which will increase range further. JR hopes to introduce the train to scheduled local service in the summer of 2007.

Railpower diesel-electric hybrid shunting locomotive

In 2004, Railpower Technologies had been running pilots in the US with the so called Green Goats which led to orders by the Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific Railways starting in early 2005

The diesel-electric hybrid trains are expected to cut emissions by up to 90-percent and decrease fuel consumption by up to 60-percent as compared to conventional diesel-powered locomotives. The Green Goats will be used in rail yards for marshalling trains.

European development

In 2007, trials of a new hybrid high speed train are scheduled to start in the UK. The system will use a battery-assisted diesel-electric power system which it is hoped will cut emissions by up to 50% and reduce fuel costs by 20%.

General Electric Hybrid Locomotive

GE put their hybrid locomotive on display at Union Station in Los Angeles. The locomotive uses regenerative braking and a bank of high-capacity batteries that GE is building itself to achieve it's fuel savings and higher emissions standards than ordinary locomotives. It is expected to be the successor to GE's current line of Evolution locomotives, themselves already some of the most efficient diesel locomotives in production. in May 2007.

References

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