What do you expect will be the next generation of locmotives beyond the Tier 4's? Will it be lower emissions (Tier 5"s), higher horsepower or new technology of some sort?
I doubt that there will be a push for even better emission control than T4. I think the push will be for lower maintenance costs both for the locomotive and for the track, particularly trackiing on curves and wear on outside rails. What this inivolves in truck design is a good question, especially considering the low maintenance requirement.
Presuming that emission regulations remain static. The future of locomotives will return to the same principles as in the past - More Power to haul more, Better wheel-slip control to permit hauling more, More fuel efficiency to haul more with less fuel and lower maintencance requirements to keep everything working at maximum potential.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
daveklepper I doubt that there will be a push for even better emission control than T4.
I doubt that there will be a push for even better emission control than T4.
Karl Scribner
Sunfield Twp. Michigan
Kentucky Southern Railway
The EPA will be back, there's zero doubt on that. Beyond valid reasons to make improvements as technology allows it in the years to come, it's just part of how government organizations like this operate.
They're not just going to eventually cease to exist. They're going to only work to expand their mandate in the coming years.
That's why I hope the SS Badger organization doesn't rest too much, since they're going to be going after her for her air emissions sooner rather than later.
The on road truck EPA regs went through 2004 adding EGR valve 2007 added DPF 2010 added all the above and SCR/DEF or for some time advanced EGR for Navistar which ended up changing strategy to SCR and common rail injection.
The overall goal of EPA is to get Diesel engines above 75hp to obtain a NOx level low enough to require SCR/DEF. By the next decade we will probably be hearing of "Tier 5"? Once the off road machines tractors and bulldozers get Tier 5, rail won't be far behind. EU is already talking about Stage V for off road.
Far as power, the Class I's have said 4300/4400hp is the sweet spot for fuel economy, longevity and tractive effort. The major goal between the companies is who can deliver 4400hp with the lowest fuel consumption?
Now keep in mind there's varried levels of EGR, and/or adding DPF, fuel injector optimization. Its not a level playing field, some systems are more effective in emssions, for example the more EGR flow you add, fuel consumption goes up. Its a balacing act.
The definition of tier 5....catenary
WM7471 The definition of tier 5....catenary
doubtful - unless you want to fund all the background costs of electrification - which will go far beyond railroad properties.
$12 million dollars per mile for electrification; at current valuations.
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