Efficiency

Locomotive Starting Assist Technologies: Building Efficient Railways

A crucial aspect of their operational efficiency lies in the reliability of their engine starts. Owing to the complexity of this process, particularly under adverse weather conditions or battery stress, Starting Assist Technologies have emerged as lifesavers. This article presents an in-depth exploration of various Locomotive Starting Assist Technologies

Boosting Efficiency and Cutting Costs

Fuel consumption is a critical concern in the rail industry, accounting for a substantial portion of operational costs. Locomotives have a significant appetite for fuel, with consumption rates ranging from 4-5 gallons per hour while idling to nearly 200 gallons per hour for larger locomotive engine sizes at higher-notch settings. A rough diesel price of $4 per gallon can cost a locomotive over $800 in fuel per hour of operation.

Supercapacitors

The starting process requires a robust and efficient energy source when powering locomotives. Traditional batteries have long been used for this purpose, but supercapacitors have emerged as a game-changing technology in recent years.