TRACTION & STOCK
Battery-hybrid DMU tested
TESTING of the first ‘Turbostar’ multiple unit to be converted to run on hybrid power has been taking place at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway heritage line in Derbyshire.
The battery-diesel set, owned by Porterbrook and tagged ‘HybridFLEX’, is undertaking a programme of tests between Duffield and Wirksworth, before returning to Chiltern Railways. The tests will allow engineers to fine-tune the software ahead of live main line trials.
Unit No. 168329 has been fitted with a Rolls Royce MTU hybrid drive which will cut noise emissions in stations and deliver zero emissions when operating under battery power.
New underframe equipment has been fitted by Gemini Rail Services at Wolverton which has seen the replacement of the original compressor, alternator, removal of the hydrostatic equipment and installation of an MTU power pack and small electric motor. A new fuel efficient ZF six-speed gearbox is also part of the package, creating a self-charging hybrid train. Exhaust aftertreatment has also been added with AdBlue being injected.
By starting off from, or arriving at a station on battery power, air quality in the vicinity will be much improved, and in many cases this technology will eliminate the need for units to tick over, pumping out diesel emissions at station stops. The diesel engine kicks in at a set speed, away from the station.
Opportunity
Explained Chiltern MD Richard Allen: “We have some major challenges and opportunities, not least in supporting the decarbonisation of the railway from our current position as an all-diesel operator with an average fleet age of 25 years. We need investment to modernise and this exciting use of new technology in an older train is a potentially very significant opportunity.”
Modelling of duty cycles on Chiltern Railways’ London to Birmingham route suggests potential reductions of around 20% in fuel consumption and 70% in NOx emissions. In addition to improved air quality and reduced noise, HybridFLEX units are also expected to deliver journey time and route capacity improvements, as the combination of diesel and electric power will offer enhanced acceleration capabilities.
Furthermore, it is anticipated that the Rolls Royce MTU hybrid drives will produce maintenance savings through reduced wear and tear on consumables, such as brake pads and discs.
Operation
Later in the year, the set will be trialled on Chiltern services.
Porterbrook has also finalised a contract with Gemini to carry out work on a new HydroFLEX unit, the first version of which (No. 799001, converted from Class 319 electric multiple unit No. 319001) underwent main line trials last year.
The second unit, No. 799201, converted from No. 319382, will be modernised and refurbished by Gemini. The firm will also design and install a battery energy storage system which will work in conjunction with a hydrogen fuel cell. The train will also be able to take traction power from an overhead 25kV AC supply.
Network Rail is working with rolling stock partners to showcase zero emissions trains at November’s UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. The unit will incorporate a boardroom and could be used to host meetings and transport visitors to the event. A similar demonstration is planned of a Vivarail battery train.