Design concepts for a hybrid diesel electric shunting locomotive powertrain

Abstract

The research concentrates on the upgrades of the inefficient diesel-electric shunting locomotive powertrains, produced in the former Soviet Union. The existing diesel-generator unit (DGU), serving as an onboard power plant can be replaced by hybrid units, with an energy storage unit acting as a peaking power source for dynamic modes. By integrating an energy storage unit into the power plant, the locomotive traction drive becomes hybridised, consuming less fuel during transients and idling. The paper presents a method for conceptualising the novel hybridised locomotive powertrain.