EMR Class 170 provides encouraging emission reduction results
EAST MIDLANDS Railway Class 170 DMU 170531 has been fitted with an Eminox emission reduction system to the exhaust, to help reduce emissions by the 170.
The £600,000 project has been funded by EMR, Porterbrook and the Department for Transport, through its Innovate UK funding programme. The technology uses an oxidation catalyst and filter to partly remove pollution from nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
The trial also uses a low volume hydrostatic oil reservoir developed by Bosch Rexroth that utilises a double pump arrangement and hydrostatic oil to drive the engine cooling fans and the alternator, which in turn provides electrical power to the train. The technology is capable of delivering similar outputs to the original system, but requires only 16 litres of hydrostatic oil compared with the 200 litres that is currently needed by an unmodified 170, delivering a significant reduction in space, weight and volume of oil required. Although the trial is still in its early stages and no decision has yet been taken on whether the technology is suitable for larger scale use, initial data has shown that emissions from 170531 have been reduced by up to 80%.
Neil Bamford, fleet director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We are constantly looking for opportunities to reduce our environmental impact and deliver greener, cleaner journeys for our passengers. That is why we are excited to support this project and help explore if this innovative technology can have an impact on cutting down pollution.”