German company MTU outlines its Powerline concept for locomotives. Stand B11 P
owerline is a complete concept for the automation of drive systems in
diesel-hydraulic, diesel-electric AC/AC and diesel-electric AC/DC locomotives. Developed as a modular system with vari- ous different functional modules, it offers the necessary fl exibility when selecting and adapting functions to suit individual loco- motives – which is why Powerline is suited for integration in new-builds as well as in locomotive repowering projects.
Already in operation with current EU IIIA- compliant Series 4000 engines, the MTU drive automation system Powerline was adapted to meet the needs of the new gen- eration of rail engines.
For new locomotives, Powerline essentially consists of three electronic components: the fi rst of which is the engine. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is an electronic engine controller with integrated engine management which was developed from scratch in order to utilise an optimised fuel injection system designed to lower emissions and increase performance. Using different parameter sets depending on the engine type and application sector, the ECU can easily be adapted to the relevant application. Its primary tasks include start sequence control, speed control and engine safety. It also controls the start sequence via the optional starter module POM, which also functions as a terminal board for the starter cables. Like the ECU, it is mounted directly on the engine.
The central system linking electronic lo- comotive control, various MTU rail die- sel engines and engine peripherals is the Powerline Automation Unit Engine (PAU Engine). The modular system was adapted to match the ECU requirements and new software functions such as optimised fan control were added.
Unlike ECU and POM, PAU Engine is not engine-mounted but is located in the locomotive’s switch cabinet. From there, the automation module provides a range of data such as control signals for alarm lamps
and cover supplementary requirements, additional MTU components are avail- able: a remote services module enables all relevant data – such as important measur- ing and diagnostics – to be transmitted to an MTU remote server. Based on fault re- ports and preventive action taken early on, downtime can be considerably reduced and even avoided altogether.
and displays instruments covering engine speed, coolant temperature and lube oil pressure. It also transmits diagnostic data from the engine and peripherals quickly and reliably to the locomotive control system for commissioning. Without the need for special-purpose diagnostic tools, the various diagnostic and commissioning functions can be easily accessed via a standard Ethernet interface and a web browser.
The modular structure of PAU engine facil- itates fast and straightforward adaption to different locomotives from different manu- facturers. With interfaces and functions specifi cally developed for rail applications, PAU engine is used in applications rang- ing from locomotive new-builds to special- purpose vehicles as well as for locomotive repowering projects.
For such repowering projects, Powerline can be supplemented by adding the additional PAU Traction component, which acts as a link between the traction generator and locomotive controller. Like PAU Engine, PAU Traction is an electronic automation module with rail-specifi c interfaces as well as software functions and also communicates with the engine controller via CAN-bus. PAU Traction is utilised to link traction generators from different manufacturers with the locomotive control system.
In conjunction with certifi cated rail-com- pliant system development, a custom-built system solution from a sole supplier bears major benefi ts both for the locomotive builder and the operator.
Accessories In order to extend the Powerline system
The Capacity Power System (CaPoS) is a further extension of Powerline. CaPoS replaces starter batteries by using high- capacitance condensers or `ultracap mod- ules´. The great benefi ts of these MTU modules include outstanding cold-start capability (down to minus 40°C), long ser- vice life (around 15 years) and zero mainte- nance. As a further environmental benefi t, CaPoS contains no heavy metals.
Future trends
In order to ensure that locomotive manu- facturers and rail operators continue to benefi t from the latest innovations, func- tions and technological developments, in future, MTU’s electronic automation sec- tion will be taking on additional tasks.
These include emissions certifi cation as well as remote and on-board diagnostics for diesel drive modules. Emissions certifi - cation involves in-engine emissions control using exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and externally integrated emissions control us- ing diesel particulate fi lters (DPF). It also involves adapting fan control to support the diesel engine emissions strategy. On- board and remote diagnosis functions will also be extended in the future with the inte- gration of new engine and periphery moni- toring functions already scheduled.
Simulation tools will make it possible to ac- tivate individual channels in the system for test purposes whilst telecommunications via GSM/UMTS with local connections using Ethernet and web browsers will be further extended to facilitate access to indi- vidual locomotives anywhere in the world.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit
www.mtu-online.com
rail technology magazine Apr/May 11 | 115
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