Toshiba Railway Europe GmbH awarded Traktionssysteme Austria (TSA) a contract to supply at least 106 custom-designed traction generators for Toshiba hybrid shunting locomotives.
Two units of the innovative Toshiba HDB 800 hybrid shunting locomotive are currently undergoing test operations. TSA was awarded its first contract for 22 TGE 64-28-6 traction generators in 2018. Currently, two prototype locomotives equipped with TSA products are in the commissioning phase of dynamic testing. At the end of 2024, TSA secured an additional order for 84 generators, which will be deployed in 42 shunting locomotives.
The Toshiba HDB 800 is an advanced hybrid diesel-battery shunting locomotive with a tractive effort of 300 kN and a nominal power output of 750 kW at the wheel-rail interface.
Designed for use in shunting yards and short mainline sections, it operates at a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Thanks to its modular design, the Toshiba hybrid shunting locomotives enable simplified maintenance while offering high energy efficiency and emission-free operation.
The serial hybrid system allows operation in the most energy-efficient mode, utilizing either one or both power generation modules or traction batteries. This significantly reduces emissions and conserves valuable resources.
DB Cargo AG plans to integrate a total of 100 locomotives, now designated as Class 1018, to enable resource-efficient operations at its shunting yards while enhancing service quality for its customers. The goal is to achieve at least a 30% annual energy savings and reduce diesel fuel consumption by at least one million liters per year.
TSA-developed generators stand out due to two key performance features including
- Optimised bearing system: designed to accommodate the multi-system concept (operation under overhead lines, battery mode, or diesel-electric mode) while preventing ‘false brinelling’ – a wear phenomenon caused by micro-oscillations in seemingly stationary rolling bearings.
- Specialized airflow management: engineered to minimise back pressure and enhance efficiency.
One of the major challenges was obtaining approval from Deutsche Bahn (DB). Additionally, the generators had to meet the specific requirements of the hybrid drive system while ensuring seamless integration into the locomotive’s modular design.
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