After a 2010 when major European locomotive manufacturers presented their latest technologies to fairs and exhibitions in the attempt of persuading potential customers about the innovation of their product, 2011 shows no great signs of changes. But exceptions do exist. Two of the biggest locomotive manufacturers, Siemens and Bombardier Transportation, talk about their expectations for 2011 in terms of locomotives and the attention that their current and future projects pay to environment.
Preparation for Stage III B
“Siemens diesel locomotives have always been low-noise locomotives. This will not change in 2011”, Siemens officials say. Regarding chemical pollution, they say, the Vectron DE locomotive is a major step forward as it meets EU97/IIIB requirements (Directive 97/68/EC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to measures against the emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants from internal combustion engines to be installed in non-road mobile machinery). The new requirements impose, among others, a drastic reduction of emission of particles requiring “addition of a particle filter”. Under the circumstances, manufacturers were expected to impose a certain quality standard for an exigent target public. “Currently, we are working on the Stage III B solutions, in force starting 2012. Our locomotive DIESEL TRAXX DE meets the Stage III A standard of emissions”, says Janis Vitins, Manager Marketing and Product Planning Locomotives Bombardier Transportation. He explained that the company’s intention was to expand the TRAXX range of products in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania.
“Latest generation technologies”
In terms of latest motoring-braking technologies, Janis Vitins says Bombardier Transportation always uses the maximum possible braking effort, up to 240 kN, for regenerative braking. Depending on the country and train route, energy savings of 10 – 30% are possible. On the other hand, Siemens officials talk about the IGBT solution (insulated gate bipolar transistor), that they call “the latest technology available”. At the same, they say that a new feature of the new Vectron locomotives is the use of a pinion hollow shaft drive for speeds up to 200 km/h. This drive and bogie concept provide low track forces and high degree of modularity.
In this context, visibly affected by the companies’ concern for quality, it is no wonder that “we see the first indications of an upswing in the market”, as Siemens officials say. “We could sell several of our off-the-shelf locomotives types U4 and ER20. For those clients quick delivery to meet their transport tasks was highest priority”, they argue.
What changes should we expect?
What could we further expect in this segment over the next two to three years? While Janis Vitins says that Bombardier Transportation’s focus is more on applied research and provides the example of the development of the ALP-45DP locomotive displayed at the Innotrans 2010, Siemens officials say that major changes in technology are not expected for series locomotives. “In the light rail and metro market the permanent magnet drive technology might become interesting in case the cost issues ca be solved”, the Siemens officials explain. On the other hand, we will definitely witness new partnerships signed between companies, the end purpose being to increase the efficiency of the transport activity. A relevant example is the agreement signed at InnoTrans 2010 between Alstom and DB Schenker for the delivery of the first testing rolling stock fleet in Europe, which includes shunting locomotives that operate based on hybrid systems. Otto Niederhofer, member of DB Schenker Rail’s board, said he supports this sustainable propulsion system, especially since DB Group has several opportunities for the implementation of hybrid shunting fuel-efficient locomotives.
[ by Ionela Micu ]Share on:
