Hello
I was wondering about the gen set switchers. I understand they use 2 or 3 separate generator sets in each locomotive but only use what is required for the job at hand. Who or what determines how many gen sets are running? Are they actually battery operated and the generators are for charging? When full power is needed is there a time lag for another engine to start and throttle up? Its an interesting concept for a locomotive. Perhaps if it works out in the yards we will see some on the roads.
Thanks
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
This is from getransportation dot com:
Genset switcher.
yards. The locomotive uses modified, Tier 3 certified off-road diesel engines and is expected to
reduce NOx and particulate matter emissions by as much as 80 to 90 percent while achieving a
16 percent reduction in fuel consumption. The railroad began testing a prototype of the Genset in
Long Beach in 2006; the first production unit was delivered to the Los Angeles Basin rail yards in
January 2007; UP expects to have more than 160 Gensets in operation by the end of 2007.
The link is http://www.getransportation.com/na/en/docs/919534_Green_Locomotive_Technology02-09-07.pdf
Happy research! - al
locoi1sa Hello I was wondering about the gen set switchers. I understand they use 2 or 3 separate generator sets in each locomotive but only use what is required for the job at hand. Who or what determines how many gen sets are running? Are they actually battery operated and the generators are for charging? When full power is needed is there a time lag for another engine to start and throttle up? Its an interesting concept for a locomotive. Perhaps if it works out in the yards we will see some on the roads. Thanks Pete
There are some differences between the Genset units and the hybrid Green Goat units. The Hybrids use a single diesel/alternator set to recharge the batteries which are the main source of current for the traction motors. With the 2-4 engine genset locomotives the computer system turns engines on and off as more power is needed and the alternators feed a common power bus that drives the traction motors.
However both Railpower and Brookville are offering multi -engine genset units with battery energy storage systems although IINM neither builder has sold one in that configuration yet....
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Thanks.
The gen sets are put on line as needed. Is there a lag or waiting period for this to happen? I dont imagine the diesel engines will last that long with cold start and full rack on demand?
The Green goat technology has been around for at least 30 years. My high school shop designed and built a batery/ electric van with a small deisel generator to charge them.
How is the acceleration on the gen set units? Are they any goood at "kicking" cars?
we run both the three engine and all battery powered gen-sets at the Mira Loma UP Auto Facility and neither one can go a 12 hour shift without breaking down.
What typically breaks down on them? Is it usually an easy fix? Not that I'm trying to justify it of course.
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