GE in cooperation with UP is in the development stage of a new Hybrid locomotive. It looks like a modified AC4400 loco. I caught this info from the news. I’m trying to set up the Video I have, so all can see it.[8D][8D][8D]
Here’s pic’s of it, courtesy of PCarrell.
Looks alot cleaner(and probably is)than that Amtrak train![(-D]
i have also heard of this. i think what i read was about GE building an electric locomotive that ran on batteries. the batteries alone would produce as much power as an AC4400CW. there was also something about recycling braking power to produce an extra 2000hp. i think it was Railpower that started the battery thing with the introduction of their “Green Goats”. since Railpower dove right into electric locos, i think there will be more electric power on the rails considering GE following. i am unsure about EMD though…
BTW that hybrid locomotive looks radioactive from the front[:D]!
Here is an article about it:
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/05/23/049011.html
LOS ANGELES - May 23, 2007: GE today announced the debut of its one-of-a-kind hybrid road locomotive at its Ecomagination event in Los Angeles. GE’s Evolution® Hybrid locomotive will be unveiled tomorrow, May 24, at LA’s historic Union Station to demonstrate the progress that GE’s Transportation business is making in developing a freight hybrid locomotive that is capable of recycling thermal energy as stored power in on-board batteries.
This demonstration hybrid unit will be one of many technologies featured at the Ecomagination event that are developed and used in the rail industry to reduce smog-causing emissions, including Nitrous Oxide emissions, and particulate matter. Ecomagination is GE’s initiative to bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet their most pressing environmental challenges.
“This hybrid demonstration unit is another example of our commitment to invest in technology and bring new, innovative concepts to life,” said John M. Dineen, President and CEO of GE- Transportation. “We will continue to support Ecomagination by engineering product offerings that help customers improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and sustain a long life of reliable service.”
Bearing road number 2010, the 4,400 horsepower Evolution® Hybrid diesel-electric prototype will feature a series of innovative batteries that will capture and store energy dissipated during dynamic braking. The energy stored in the batteries will reduce fuel consumption and emissions by as much as 10 percent compared to most of the freight locomotives in use today. (In addition to reduced emissions, a hybrid will operate more efficiently in higher altitudes and up steep inclines.)
Several GE customers including BNSF are helping to serve on GE’s advisory board for the development
I have been watching it run on our test track now for quite a while. This unit is just a Demo and test bed. The unit is set up to give a boost when needed from the batteries. Dynamic braking recharges the batteries as needed. It can add about 2000 extra HP from what I’m told. The batteries are under the walkways on both sides. They intend to try relocating even more equipment within the car body to have more batteries. The batteries were developed just for this project by GE/undisclosed battery company. It left for the trip to the west coast (see article above) but will return soon for more long term testing. More will be built soon for more extensive testing on the railroads soon.
“reduce fuel consumption and emissions by as much as 10 percent”
Read between the lines. 10 percent is the maximum savings. That means it will probably average only about 5 percent.
I doubt 5 percent savings will be worth all the added expense and complication.
2005 Fuel and utilities usage for Union Pacific was around $539,000,000. Fuel was a little cheaper then. A 5% decrease ends up around 25,000,000, significant savings by anyone’s measure.
http://sec.edgar-online.com/2005/05/06/0001193125-05-098728/Section10.asp
By the way, the GE website says fuel savings of 15% and emissions up to 50% over current locomotives.
All new locos need to meet stricter emissions and fuel standards, might as well buy something that pushes that envelope even further.
Rick