Impact of a locomotive engine modernization on fuel consumption

Abstract

Vehicles used in rail transport are characterized by a long service life, which is caused, among others, by the high cost of their purchase. In Poland, the average age of freight diesel locomotives exceeds 40 years. Increasing the wear and tear of vehicles has an impact on many aspects of machine operation, including environmental pollution. Significant wear and degradation of the powertrain components contributes to the increase in pollutant emissions and fuel consumption, which is closely correlated with the production of carbon dioxide. Modernizations involving the replacement of the drive unit are performed in order to reduce the negative impact of rail vehicles on the environment. The article compares the energy consumption of the ST44 locomotive prior to and after modernization. The older 14D40 two-stroke internal combustion engines were replaced with a more modern engine unit 12CzN26/26. Fuel consumption tests were carried out on a test bench using a OW6300 water resistor.