Locomotive Diesel Engine Research

U.S. Locomotive Emissions Standards

Locomotive engine manufacturers face a unique challenge: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will eventually require both old and new locomotive engines to meet new emissions regulations. In a series of stages, locomotives manufactured since 1973 (and newly manufactured units) will have to meet increasingly tighter gaseous and particulate emissions standards.

The Electromotive Division (EMD) of General Motors Corporation (GM) has been partnering with Argonne since 1996 to research technologies that can be used to reduce exhaust emissions from locomotive diesel engines. The partnership was created with a Work-for-Others contract. EMD's partnership with Argonne was created to identify and create new technologies for locomotives to meet future regulations without sacrificing the diesel engine's efficiency.

While this WFO contract research with EMD has been steadily expanding, as of August 2004, Argonne is participating in the U.S. Department of Energy 's (DOE's) locomotive engine research program in two capacities: (1) as field technical manager of the two research contracts that DOE has with EMD and General Electric and (2) as a subcontractor to EMD in conducting fuel spray and single-cylinder engine evaluations.

GM-EMD Single-Cylinder Research Engine

Argonne is home to the Engine Research Facility, which was built with funding from EMD. The facility, which contains a single-cylinder version of EMD's new four-stroke "H" engine, has been generating experimental data used to improve the engine's fuel efficiency while meeting exhaust emissions targets. In addition to this research engine, a second experimental engine: a two-stroke single cylinder version of EMD's "710" engine family, has been in operation since the spring of 2002. The upgraded facility, with a new control room from which both the engines could be operated, is in active service.

Results

From the experimental studies conducted on the "H" engine, Argonne and EMD have been able to identify performance-enhancing improvements to the engine lubrication system, fuel system, and combustion system. These results have helped EMD produce a more reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly locomotive product. The 1-710 engine is used to optimize the engine configurations and operating parameters to meet Tier 2 emissions standards on production engines. Specific findings from the research are protected by the confidentiality of EMD's contract agreement.

Future Plans

One goal of the partnership is to expand the research into several engine systems, including the fuel injection system, advanced air-control systems and exhaust aftertreatment systems. Fuel injection spray studies will also be integrated into the overall program goal of creating a cleaner, more efficient locomotive diesel engine.

August 26, 2004