Stop-start 66s

[GearJammer]

Do class 66s really have no provision for cab heating when the loco is shut down?

Is that unique to 66s or are other locos like it?

 

[O L Leigh]

That's pretty much the case across all types of traction, including MUs. HVAC is a high-draw system and therefore does not run off the batteries. You have to have the engines running to provide power or, in the case of electrics, be directly connected to the traction supply.

O L Leigh

 

[zn1]

Stop Starting is fine on small engines, its a constant toll on the battery stop start...as the alternator will be working twice as hard to charge as well run other systems..Personally I don't like it or want it in any vehicle I drive, If im likely to be stopped for more than 3 mins I always shut my engine off...(Mostly done on M-ways and A-road jams)..

Now on a locomotive its a different kettle of fish...no engine running means no compressor running and no air pressure maintenance..regardless of how long the air is supposed to hold in the pipe...different jobs will leak differently...there is a minimum time for the brake pipe to hold pressure.(the pipe should hold for a few hours).. the oil and coolant getting cold, the block getting cool etc..it will put extra effort in the engine block...

Now if the train is held for a long period without air pressure maintained, it might be advised to put hand brakes on...

indirect Electric compressors are fitted to class 56 if I remember rightly - its a 3hc55b, the same as fitted to 317 & 319's..

I recall there was an issue with Valentas ??

Its down to confidence in the loco batteries to be able to do stop start...it may be fine in the rest of the world...but as always once they come over here...they are smashed around quite differently

 

[HSTEd]

If air pressure drops to unacceptable levels wouldn't the computer just restart the engine?

 

[455driver]

If air pressure drops to unacceptable levels wouldn't the computer just restart the engine?

If the batteries are up to it yes, if they are not then no!
It takes a lot to crank over a hot diesel engine, a lot more than it does a cold one!

 

[HSTEd]

Again, if the battery level starts to fall below the level considered acceptable the computer will just restart the engine to recharge it.

The computer will also likely refuse to turn the engine off if the battery is not fully or almost fully charged.

 

[carriageline]

Precisely. If it's in any doubt it can't or wouldn't restart,'it would start it self or simply not turn off.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[edwin_m]

They could run the stop-start fitted loco on that duty for say 6 months and then dedicate a standard loco to the same duty for the next 6 months. Comparing the fuel used over the period would give a good indication of the savings possible with stop-start, unlike comparing with a random loco that could have been doing totally different duties or even been out of service for some of the time.

 

[Jamesb1974]

From DB Schenker's own news page. Seems it is going ahead very soon. Apologies if it is a repost.

DB Schenker Rail UK are seeking to save over 4,500 tonnes in carbon emissions every year through the introduction of stop-start technology to ninety class 66 locomotives

DBSR UK has been trialling Auto Engine Stop Start technology (AESS) on a class 66 locomotive since February 2014. The loco 66176 has been working in Cornwall on the Imerys traffic flow.

The trial has provided data which confirmed a reduction in fuel consumption when the stop start technology is used, resulting in a lower impact on the environment.

The technology, manufactured by ZTR, works in a similar manner to stop start technology in a car, stopping the engine from running when idling. Results showed that the amount of time the engine was running was reduced by approximately one third. This would reduce CO2 emissions by over 50 tonnes, equating to a saving of over 4,500 tonnes of CO2 for the ninety class 66s that will be fitted with the technology by the end of 2015 - approximately a 10% reduction overall.

The company also anticipates that the technology will help improve reliability for customers. Tests indicate that use of the stop start technology will reduce the number of flat batteries as well as the potential for locos to freeze in cold weather conditions. All relevant safety checks have also been carried out.

The rollout will commence this year with 90 planned to be completed before the end of 2015.

Andrew Byrne, Head of Maintenance and Infrastructure DBSR UK, said:
"The Auto Engine Stop Start technology (AESS) provides huge opportunities to improve the environment impact of rail freight. Although rail freight is a more environmentally friendly mode of transport solution than road, we continuously seek to find ways in which the impact of rail freight can be reduced further. We aspire to become an eco-pioneer, and this project is a key part of that strategy.

 

[Jonny]

From DB Schenker's own news page. Seems it is going ahead very soon. Apologies if it is a repost.

DB Schenker Rail UK are seeking to save over 4,500 tonnes in carbon emissions every year through the introduction of stop-start technology to ninety class 66 locomotives

Why does the word 'greenwash' come to mind?