Re-powered ultra-low emission locomotive features idling-stop function; reduction in NOx and PM of 80%
30 June 2011
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled upstate New York’s first ultra-low emission locomotive at a railroad yard in Selkirk, NY. The cleaner energy locomotive was made possible by an EPA award of more than $1 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to the New York State Department of Transportation.
New York State DOT and CSX Transportation used the funding to replace the old conventional engine on the locomotive with three smaller, cleaner engines. The new engines will reduce emissions of NOx and particulate matter from the locomotive by 80% using technologies that monitor engine idling and switch to “sleep” mode after a period of inactivity.
Locomotive engines have traditionally been significant contributors to air pollution. EPA has set new standards that will cut fine particle pollution from these and other heavy duty engines by 90% and smog-forming nitrogen oxides by 80%. EPA estimates that the health benefits of this rule outweigh the costs by 15 to 1. Locomotive engines being produced today must meet new emission requirements set by EPA.
However, because locomotive engines are very durable and are often in service for many decades, older engines continue to emit large amounts of NOx and particulate matter. Projects to replace these older polluting engines with cleaner ones are a key part of EPA’s national strategy to cut diesel pollution. The total project cost was $1,450,000. EPA provided about $1 million of the funding, with the remainder being provided by CSX, the owner of the locomotive.
Are three (3) smaller diesel engines more efficient and less costly than one larger unit?
Historically, it has been the other way around. However, being able to use only one or two of the three engines could be more economical than running one larger engine, specially when the high load is not there.
Posted by: HarveyD | 01 July 2011 at 06:33 AM