Locomotive aftermarket communication and technology products supplier ACS Railroad Solutions (ACSRS) and Norfolk Southern, with assistance from Knoxville Locomotive Works (KLW), are partnering on an idle reduction system pilot project for low-horsepower locomotives that employs a Lithium-Ion based energy module.
The ACSRS Electrolyte Idle Reduction System “performs all the functions of a typical Automated Engine Start/Stop (AESS) system but also leverages a 33 kWh Lithium-Ion based energy module to keep key locomotive systems operational when the engine is shut down,” said Dave Fox, Chief Solutions Officer for ACSRS. “The potential fuel saving and emission reduction benefits of a typical AESS are often never realized due to the binary nature of these systems fully shutting down the locomotive. With our new system, HVAC, Heat, Lighting and Analytic systems can stay fully functioning, eliminating the motivation for crews and other operations personnel to override the system and reengage the engine.”
ACSRS pointed out that, beside human override, a drop in air pressure due to leakage is a common cause of a locomotive engine having to reengage and idle. The ACSRS Electrolyte system “monitors air pressure and controls a make-up air compressor, also powered by the energy module, that will ensure the pressure stays above mandated levels. The energy module can also maintain charge of the lead acid batteries, and if necessary be automatically activated to assist when the engine does restart.”
“The ACSRS Electrolyte system looks to be a real game changer and will be a key element in Norfolk Southern leading the transition to a sustainable, low carbon economy,” said Ryan Stege, Norfolk Southern Senior Director of Locomotive Operations & Maintenance. “The design of this system effectively addresses many of the challenges we’ve experienced with legacy AESS systems, and we’re confident the additional reduction in fuel consumption and GHG emission will have a large impact on our efforts.”
KLW is responsible for ensuring the ACSRS Electrolyte systems are deployed and fully operational as well as for capturing essential data to verify system efficacy. “So far we’ve recorded multiple examples of locomotive ancillary systems being powered from the Lithium-Ion energy module for up to eight hours,” said KLW President Todd Burchette. “This can translate very quickly to significant reduction in fuel usage. Trains are already seven times more fuel efficient than trucks and produce on average 75% less GHG emissions. This program is another way for us to even further extend that advantage.”
