Genset locomotive
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A genset locomotive is a locomotive in which a number of smaller diesel engines are used rather than a single large engine. The term is short for "generator set."[1]
Advantages
A genset uses one to three small diesel engines to provide power. An operator is able to activate each engine as needed, with multi-engine gensets activating one for light work and more for heavier work, with excess engines turned off when the extra power is not needed.[1]
- More efficient design.
- Longer service life.
- Fuel savings.
- Ultra-low emissions.
- Improved wheel to rail adhesion capability.
- With multiple engine gensets, should one genset engine fail, the others can keep the train going, albeit at reduced speed.
- Removing a genset engine requires smaller size crane, while a larger crane is required to remove a traditional diesel prime mover.[1][2][3][4][5]
Disadvantages
- More complex design.
- Greater capital cost.
- Greater deadweight.
- More engines, and the engines and generators do not use standard parts, reducing reliability.
- Multiple smaller truck type engines which lack the hardiness of a single large railroad type prime mover.
- Engineers do not like them because they are slow to get a cut of cars moving.[2][6][5]
Table of produced gensets
| Year | Country | Manufacturer | Model | HP | Engines | Axles | Gauge | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | India | Banaras Locomotive Works | WDM-2G | 2400 (3x800) | B-B | 1676mm | ||
| 2006 | United States | National Railway Equipment | NRE 3GS21B | 2100 (3x700) | Cummins | B-B | 1435mm | |
| 2014 | South Africa | Grindrod Locomotives | 0710 | 1067mm 1000 mm | ||||
| 2010 | United States | Railserve Leaf | 1200 (2x600) | Cummins QSX15-L3 | B-B | 1435 mm | ||
| 201? | United States | MotivePower | MPI MP14B | 1400 (2x700) | Cummins QSK19C | B-B | 1435 mm | |
| 2007 | United States | Railpower Technologies | Railpower RP14BD | 1530 (2x765) | Deutz BD2015 | B-B | 1435 mm | |
| 2004 | United States | Railpower Technologies | Railpower GG20B Greengoat | 300; 2000 using supplemental battery | Caterpillar C9 | B-B | 1435 mm | Large battery for extra power |
| 201? | United States | Progress Rail | Progress Rail PR43C | 4300 (1x3600 + 1x700) | Caterpillar C175 C18 |
C-C | 1435 mm | |
| 20?? | United States | Brookville | Brookville BL20CG | 2100 (3x700) | Cummins | B-B | 1435 mm | |
| 20?? | United States | National Railway Equipment | NRE 2GS16B-AU | 1400 (2x700) | Cummins | B-B | 1435 mm | |
| 2013 | Germany | Bombardier Transportation | Traxx DE Multi-Engine |
2880 (4x720) | 1435 mm | |||