Locomotives Traction configuration
look of the Traxx family, but under the skin it is a very different animal. Instead of the MTU 16V 4000 power unit at the heart of the standard Traxx DE, the Traxx DE ME is built around four Caterpillar C18 engines, generating a total output of 2252kW. On the face of it, replacing one engine with four might seem illogical but this arrangement gives the Traxx DE ME a number of important advantages over its single-engined cousin. Firstly, the C18 is a standard six-cylinder four- stroke engine mass-produced primarily for the marine market and in widespread use around the world. This
brings all the benefits of a mass-market engine design, with commonality of components and a global technical support network already in place. It also means the manufacturer is no longer tied to a single engine supplier and power units can be selected according to the needs of the customer. Secondly, Bombardier claims the
Traxx DE ME can offer near 100% availability, because even with one engine out of service, three engines provide sufficient power to generate the maximum tractive effort of 300kN. Thirdly, because the four engines work together to optimise fuel
Auxiliary cubicle 2 Converter
consumption, the Traxx DE ME is 10% more fuel efficient than the equivalent single-engined locomotive. As a rule, diesel locomotives use their installed power only during acceleration. This means that while cruising with lighter trains, as well as coasting and braking, the power of the diesel engine is hardly utilised. The Traxx DE ME overcomes this limitation because at every load change, the locomotive determines how many engines will be needed to deliver the required output, and at what load. It also ensures that the number of operating hours and the average load remains consistent between all four engines. In addition, Bombardier says the ability to shut down selected engines reduces ambient noise, a particular advantage in environmentally- sensitive locations such as depots. In order to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions to the level required by Stage IIIB, the diesel engines are fitted with exhaust gas recirculation, together with particulate filters which capture up to 97% of the particulate matter from the exhaust.
Each powerpack comprises a C18 engine; a flanged synchronous alternator mounted onto a common support frame; and exhaust systems and air filters, which are fitted inside the roof of the locomotive. Bombardier says that under even the most challenging operational conditions there is no interaction between air flows at the intake points and the exhaust gas outlet points. Each powerpack is
Cooling unit Diesel-alternator unit 4
Electronic cubicle 30
Auxiliary cubicle 1
Diesel-alternator unit 3 IRJ December 2012
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