mtu and Deutsche Bahn trial locomotive engine for future emissions standards

• EU research project CleanER-D
• Series 4000 locomotive engine with exhaust gas recirculation and diesel particulate filter
• Around 40 % less nitrogen oxide and more than 90 % less soot particles

Friedrichshafen, 7 November 2011. From November 2011, as part of the EU’s CleanER-D research project, Tognum subsidiary MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH is working with Deutsche Bahn AG and other development partners to run trials under operational conditions with a diesel engine designed to meet the emissions regulations of the future. The 12-cylinder mtu Series 4000 diesel engine which is powering a Series 225 freight locomotive meets EU Stage IIIB emissions targets due to come into force in 2012. These trials are designed to glean additional, new information for other upcoming emissions regimes. The locomotive used in the CleanER-D sub-project “Light Weight” will operate a normal freight schedule for a year.

The model 12V 4000 R84 engine which produces 1,800 kW meets the stringent emissions targets demanded by EU Stage IIIB by utilizing optimized in-engine technologies together with a diesel particulate filter. The unit has 2-stage turbocharging with three turbochargers and intermediate charge-air cooling as well as cooled exhaust gas recirculation. Together with the new generation of the common rail injection system, this technology achieves nitrogen oxide reductions of more than 40 % as compared with the previous EU IIIA levels. Consequently, no additional SCR exhaust aftertreatment is needed. A diesel particulate filter with an upstream oxidation catalyzer reduces particulate emissions by over 90 % as compared with EU IIIA levels. The control system used means that even at low exhaust temperatures, the filter system is self-regenerating. The system is installed in the locomotive in place of the silencer and performs the silencer’s function.

Among other features, in addition to the new diesel drive system the locomotive has a more efficient cooling system and an adapted transmission system. The locomotive, which is in service in Germany, is operated by DB Schenker Rail.

Clean European Rail-Diesel (Grant Agreement No. 234338) is a partly European Commission funded project that aims to develop, improve and integrate emissions reduction technologies for diesel locomotives and rail vehicles. Its target is to achieve emission levels below the limits established by the new European Directive 2004/26/EC and to evaluate innovative hybrid solutions for the best possible contribution to reductions in CO2 emissions. The project lasts from June 2009 to May 2013, has a budget of 13.4 million Euros and consists of 25 partners.