Regan Brown
Diesel locomotives are some of the most fascinating modes of transport. They are a type of railway locomotive that uses a diesel engine as its power source. The history of trains has been shaped by the utilisation of various fuels, from the early steam locomotives of the 19th century to the modern dominance of diesel and electric trains. Diesel fuel has become the preferred choice for railroad locomotives due to its lower volatility, cost-effectiveness, and widespread availability. The type of diesel fuel used in locomotives can vary depending on the country and has evolved over time, with a shift towards cleaner fuels to reduce emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of diesel fuel | High-sulfur diesel fuel (5,000 parts per million) |
| Low-sulfur diesel fuel (500 parts per million) | |
| Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) (15 parts per million) | |
| 50 ppm Sulphur | |
| 10 ppm Sulphur | |
| Usage | Commonly used in many rail systems |
| Used in hybrid locomotives | |
| Used in Green Goat locomotives | |
| Pros | Lower volatility |
| Lower cost | |
| Common availability | |
| Better lubrication (high-sulfur diesel) | |
| Cons | Carcinogenic |
| Advanced corrosion in old equipment (ULSD) | |
| Unsuitable for modern engines (high-sulfur diesel) |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel-electric locomotives
The development of diesel-electric locomotives can be traced back to the early 20th century. One of the first functional diesel-electric railcars was produced in 1914 for the Royal Saxon State Railways, using diesel engines from Swiss Sulzer AG. In the 1920s, Fiat-TIBB Bo'Bo' diesel-electric locomotives were built and successfully operated in southern Italy. The Soviet Union also began operating diesel-electric locomotives in 1924, and by the 1930s, diesel-electric technology had spread to Argentina, Germany, and the United States.
In the United States, the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors (EMD) played a pivotal role in the advancement of diesel-electric locomotives. In 1940, EMD demonstrated the practicality of diesel locomotives in heavy-duty service with their model "FT," which toured the nation's railroads. This led to the gradual replacement of steam locomotives with diesel-electric technology, offering improved efficiency, reduced maintenance, and lower operating costs.
To ensure the safe and efficient operation of diesel-electric locomotives, various systems and components are in place. The fuel tank is compartmentalized to mitigate fuel leaks, and the locomotive's electrical system is powered by heavy-duty batteries. The engineer follows a comprehensive startup procedure, including engaging switches, priming the fuel system, and monitoring gauges to ensure optimal performance.
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Diesel fuel properties
Diesel fuel has become the preferred fuel for railroad locomotive use due to its lower volatility, lower cost, and common availability. The diesel engine is the main component of the diesel-electric locomotive. It is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat generated from the compression of air during the upward cycles of the stroke to ignite the fuel. The fuel is ignited by the intense compression, pushing the piston down. This piston is connected to an electric generator, which powers the motors connected to the wheels of the locomotive.
The type of diesel fuel used by locomotives depends on the country. For example, in the Czech Republic, locomotives use the same undyed diesel as road vehicles, while in Germany, DMUs have multiple tanks, one for normal diesel and another for tax-free dyed diesel for additional heaters. In Australia, locomotives use premium diesel, the same as cars, while in New Zealand, they use the same diesel as road vehicles, mobile plant, and stationery machinery. In Uruguay, there are two kinds of diesel fuel available: 50 ppn Sulphur and 10 ppm Sulphur.
Historically, American railroads used high-sulfur diesel fuel (5,000 parts per million) as the sulfur kept the engines well lubricated. However, with the passage of the Clean Air Act, the EPA began to regulate sulfur levels in diesel fuel. From 2007 to 2014, the EPA mandated the use of low sulfur diesel fuel (500 ppm) for newer locomotives. By 2014, the EPA's diesel standards required the newest locomotives to use ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) with only 15 ppm of sulfur.
Some railroads that switched to ULSD experienced issues with their old equipment, as the new fuel caused advanced corrosion due to its lack of lubricity. As a result, some railroads switched back to the dirtier 500 ppm diesel fuel. However, Tier 4 locomotives manufactured after 2015 are designed to burn cleaner fuel, reducing emissions of oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.
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Locomotive fuel tanks
The design of locomotive fuel tanks can vary depending on the specific type of diesel locomotive. For instance, in the early days of diesel locomotives, some trains had a tender—a separate vehicle that hauled fuel and water. This design provided greater fuel capacity and improved weight distribution. However, modern diesel locomotives typically have integrated fuel tanks that are compartmentalized to enhance safety. If one compartment is damaged or leaks, pumps can isolate and remove the fuel from that section.
The size and capacity of locomotive fuel tanks are crucial factors. Larger tanks can carry more fuel, extending the locomotive's range. The fuel capacity of a locomotive is essential, especially for long-distance travel or routes without frequent refuelling options. Additionally, the efficiency of the locomotive's engine plays a significant role in fuel consumption. Modern diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than their predecessors, resulting in lower fuel usage for the same distance travelled.
The process of starting a diesel locomotive and its fuel system is intricate. The engineer follows a series of steps, including climbing to the corridor behind the cab, engaging a knife switch, flipping circuit breakers, and priming the fuel system. This sequence ensures that the fuel pump receives power and that the air is removed from the system before starting the engine.
The fuel tanks in diesel locomotives are an integral part of their operation, and advancements in technology have led to improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. These advancements include hybrid diesel-electric locomotives, which combine diesel engines with electric motors and generators, resulting in lower fuel consumption and reduced environmental impact.
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Locomotive fuel consumption
The fuel consumption of a locomotive depends on several factors, including the type of train, its weight, design, speed, route, and the efficiency of its engine. Diesel-electric locomotives, for example, combine a diesel engine with an electric generator and an electric motor to power the vehicle. The diesel engine drives the generator, which produces electricity to power the electric motors that drive the wheels.
A typical freight diesel locomotive can consume around 3 to 5 gallons of diesel fuel per mile, while passenger diesel trains may have slightly lower fuel consumption. This can be reduced by employing "stop-start systems", which automatically shut down a locomotive if it idles for too long, cutting unnecessary idle time.
To improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, railroads are adopting new technologies. For instance, an Energy Management System (EMS) can improve fuel efficiency by automatically controlling the throttle and dynamic brake. Distributed Power, where locomotives are positioned throughout the train, reduces the horsepower needed and enhances fuel efficiency.
Additionally, railroads are exploring the use of renewable diesel, biodiesel blends, and battery-electric locomotives. Biodiesel is made from renewable energy sources and can be blended with petroleum diesel fuel, reducing carbon emissions by 20%. Hydrogen fuel cell locomotives are also being researched for long-haul shipments.
With these advancements, trains are becoming more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, making freight rail the most fuel-efficient way to transport freight over land.
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Locomotive fuel history
The history of locomotive fuel is a journey that spans centuries, with the evolution of trains powered by fuel showcasing remarkable progress. The earliest locomotives of the 19th century relied on steam engines, marking the beginning of the railway era and revolutionising transportation. Built by George Stephenson in 1814, the first successful steam locomotive utilised combustible materials like coal, wood, or oil to generate steam and power the driving wheels.
However, the limitations of steam engines, including their low efficiency and high operational costs, led to the exploration of alternative fuel systems. The development of internal combustion engines in the late 19th century introduced kerosene and gasoline as locomotive fuels. Gottlieb Daimler's kerosene-powered draisine in 1887 and the Best Manufacturing Company's gasoline locomotive in 1891 are notable examples.
The turning point came with Rudolf Diesel's patent of the compression-ignition engine in 1898. The subsequent improvements in diesel engine design led to their mounting in locomotives, offering enhanced power-to-weight ratios. By 1925, a small number of diesel locomotives with 600 hp were in service in the United States.
During the pre-World War II era, diesel locomotives gained traction, with companies like ALCO-GE and EMD introducing models like the RS-1 road-switcher and the F series. However, the war slowed the transition to diesel due to the prioritisation of diesel engines for naval uses. The petroleum crisis of 1942-1943 further emphasised the advantages of coal-fired steam locomotives as they did not rely on fuel in short supply.
In the post-war period, the benefits of diesel locomotives, including reduced crewing costs and improved daily mileage, accelerated their adoption. Between 1950 and 1970, most steam locomotives were retired, making way for electric and diesel-electric alternatives. This transition occurred earlier in North America (1950s) compared to continental Europe (1970s) and other parts of the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Locomotives use diesel fuel to generate high-pressure gases that drive pistons, creating rotational motion to power the wheels. The type of diesel fuel used depends on the country and the age of the locomotive. For example, in the US, older locomotives used high-sulfur diesel fuel (5,000 parts per million) due to its lubricating properties, but newer locomotives are required to use ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) with a maximum of 15 ppm of sulfur. In countries like New Zealand, locomotives use the same type of diesel fuel as road vehicles, while in Germany, some locomotives have separate tanks for normal diesel and tax-free dyed diesel for additional heaters.
Diesel fuel has become the preferred fuel for railroad locomotive use due to its lower volatility, lower cost, and common availability compared to other fuel types. Diesel locomotives are also more efficient and reliable, requiring less maintenance and better able to handle overload conditions.
The fuel consumption of a locomotive depends on several factors, including its type, weight, design, speed, route, and engine efficiency. On average, a freight diesel locomotive can consume 3 to 5 gallons of diesel fuel per mile, while passenger diesel trains may have slightly lower fuel consumption.
