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First converted hybrid vehicle for public transport presented at Innotrans 2012

Posted on September 19, 2012

Deutsche Bahn and Tognum subsidiary MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH (mtu) have converted a diesel-mechanical power car from the VT 642 series into a hybrid vehicle as part of a joint research project.

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Das mtu-Hybrid-Powerpack ist ein Unterflurantrieb für Triebwagen, das bis zu 25 Prozent weniger Kraftstoff verbraucht und emissionsfreies Fahren z.B. im Bahnhofsbereich ermöglicht. Die Bremsenergie kann in einer Lithium-Ionen-Batterie gespeichert und zum Anfahren, Beschleunigen oder zur Versorgung von elektrischen Verbrauchern im Zug verwendet werden. Der Dieselmotor des Typs 6H 1800 R75 hat eine Leistung von 315 kW, der Elektromotor bis zu 400 kW. Zusätzlich integriert ist eine SCR-Abgasnachbehandlung mit Harnstofftank, um die seit 2012 geltende europäischen Emissionsstufe EU IIIB zu erfüllen. The mtu hybrid Powerpack is an underfloor drive for railcars that consumes up to 25% less fuel and enables emissions-free operation in station areas. Braking energy can be stored in a lithium-ion battery and used for moving off and acceleration and for on-board power. The mtu 6H Series 1800 R75 diesel engine delivers a power output of 315kW and the electrical motor up to 400kW. Also integrated is an SCR exhaust aftertreatment system with urea tank which facilitates compliance with the EU Stage IIIB regulations in force since 2012. JPG, 504 KB

In einem Triebwagen der Baureihe 642 erproben Deutsche Bahn und mtu den Prototyp des mtu-Hybrid-Powerpacks. Der Test soll nachweisen, dass diese Technik mittel- und langfristige ökonomische und ökologische Vorteile für den Zugverkehr bietet, indem sie bis zu 25 Prozent weniger Kraftstoff verbraucht und emissionsfreies Fahren z.B. im Bahnhof ermöglicht. Deutsche Bahn and mtu are testing the prototype of the mtu Hybrid Powerpack in a type 642 railcar. The aim of the test is to verify that this technology offers medium and long-term economic and ecological advantages to the rail industry by facilitating a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 25% and emissions-free operation in station areas. JPG, 1 MB

Auf der Innotrans 2012 in Berlin präsentieren Rainer Bomba, Staatssekretär im Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau und Stadtentwicklung (BMVBS), Dr. Ulrich Dohle, Technikvorstand der Tognum AG, und Dr. Volker Kefer, Vorstand Technik und Infrastruktur der Deutschen Bahn AG, den Triebwagen der Baureihe 642 mit mtu-Hybrid-Powerpack erstmalig der Öffentlichkeit. At Innotrans 2012 in Berlin, the 642 railcar powered by an mtu hybrid Powerpack was unveiled to the public by Rainer Bomba, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS); Dr. Volker Kefer, Member of the Board for technology and infrastructure at Deutsche Bahn AG, and Dr. Ulrich Dohle, CTO at Tognum AG. JPG, 1 MB

Auf der Innotrans 2012 in Berlin präsentieren Dr. Volker Kefer, Vorstand Technik und Infrastruktur der Deutschen Bahn AG, und Dr. Ulrich Dohle, Technikvorstand der Tognum AG, den Triebwagen der Baureihe 642 mit mtu-Hybrid-Powerpack erstmalig der Öffentlichkeit. At Innotrans 2012 in Berlin, the 642 railcar powered by an mtu hybrid Powerpack was unveiled to the public by Dr. Volker Kefer, Member of the Board for technology and infrastructure at Deutsche Bahn AG, and Dr. Ulrich Dohle, CTO at Tognum AG. JPG, 1 MB

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  • Joint project of Deutsche Bahn and mtu
  • Support for the project from the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development
  • Conversion of a power car from the VT 642 series
  • Reduction of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption

Berlin, September 19, 2012. Deutsche Bahn and Tognum subsidiary MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH (mtu) have converted a diesel-mechanical power car from the VT 642 series into a hybrid vehicle as part of a joint research project. Today, Rainer Bomba, State Secretary from the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development (BMVBS), Dr. Volker Kefer, DB Head of Rail Technology and Infrastructure and Dr. Ulrich Dohle, CTO at Tognum AG, unveiled the vehicle to the public at Innotrans 2012.

The new drive system from mtu – a hybrid Powerpack – uses a generator to convert the kinetic energy generated during braking into electrical energy. This electrical energy is temporarily stored in batteries and then used as required for operation. The aim here is to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by up to 25%.

The undertaking has been financially supported by the BMVBS as part of the project “Electromobility Model Region”, coordinated by the National Organisation for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW GmbH). At the previous Innotrans in 2010, the Federal Ministry of Transport presented the project partners with the approval for grant assistance to the tune of €1.9 billion for the development of the hybrid drive in light rail vehicles.

“We need new mobility and vehicle concepts for an environmental and climate friendly future. And playing a big part here will be the corresponding alternative drives. The Federal Ministry of Transport is thus funding a whole host of projects nationwide for the transport of people and goods on both road and rail. Once the hybrid system has established itself and is ready for series production, hundreds of these power cars could be converted to diesel-electric drive with energy storage in Germany, thus contributing to the reduction of harmful greenhouse gases and lowering energy costs,” says State Secretary Bomba.

“Deutsche Bahn has consistently anchored sustainable activities in its new DB2020 group strategy. We want to be eco-pioneers and reduce our specific CO2 emissions by 20% before 2020,” explains Dr. Volker Kefer, Member of the Management Board responsible for Rail Technology and Infrastructure at DB. “In order to continue with the dynamic development of the railway, we need marketable innovation. This hybrid technology provides us with an opportunity to further drive energy efficient and ecologically sustainable rail transport.”

“With the mtu hybrid Powerpack, Tognum has developed a clean, quiet and economical rail drive unit,” says Tognum CTO, Dr. Ulrich Dohle. “We recorded fuel savings of up to 25% during our research which is good for both the operator and the environment.”

The project is not only looking to score green points with its hybrid technology, but also its new environmentally friendly CO2 air-conditioning system built into the vehicle, which aims to reduce energy consumption by up to 10%. The vehicle was converted at the DB Heavy Maintenance plant in Kassel and is currently undergoing the necessary tests required for approval from the Federal Railway Authority. The vehicle will be used on the non-electrified Aschaffenburg – Miltenberg line in Bavaria, which is particularly suitable for the hybrid drive due to the short distances between stops and the frequent starting and stopping manoeuvres this involves.

mtu at Innotrans 2012


Visit us in Hall 20, Stand 303, and see the mtu hybrid Powerpack. The VT642 hybrid vehicle is on display on the open-air ground at railway track G1/30 (Deutsche Bahn).
Wolfgang Boller Spokesman Regional and Business Media
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