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   Common Rail  evaluated  
Whereas in conventional diesel engines injection pressure is generated for each injector individually, a common rail engine stores the fuel under high pressure in a central container ("common rail") and delivers it to the individual injectors on demand. Benefits of common rail injection are reduced noise levels, stronger performance, improved emission control and greater efficiency.
Technology field: Optimisation of traction technologies
open main section General information
close main section General criteria
  close sub-section Status of development: in use
    Diesel engines using common rail injection are available in the power classes needed for railway applications but are still rare in railway fleets. At DB AG, common rail engines are integrated into 400 old shunting locomotives as part of a re-engining programme.
  Time horizon for broad application: 5 - 10 years
    Given the long life-time of rail vehicles, diffusion of common rail engines into rolling stock will be slow. In addition, invitations for tender are usually functional, i.e. they only specify fuel consumption and emission limits but leave it to manufacturers to realise these targets. So in principle there is no bias for common rail technology on the part of railways.
  Expected technological development: dynamic
    cf. Application outside railway sector - Expected technological development outside railway sector
    Motivation:
   
  • High power and torque
  • Emission control
  • Reduced noise emission
  • Low fuel consumption
  Benefits (other than environmental): big
   

Power and torque

Especially at low speeds common rail systems yield higher engine torques than conventional injection systems.

Noise

Reduced noise and vibration.

Reliability and engine life

Constant pressure supply in injection systems puts less stress on material than conventional systems. This leads to longer engine life.
  Barriers: low
    (no details available)
    Success factors:
    (no details available)
  Applicability for railway segments: medium
    Type of traction:  diesel
    Type of transportation:  passenger - main lines, passenger - regional lines, passenger - suburban lines, freight
    In principle, common rail technology can be used on diesel vehicles of all power classes.
    Grade of diffusion into railway markets:
  Diffusion into relevant segment of fleet: < 5%
  Share of newly purchased stock: (no data)
    (no details available)
  Market potential (railways): medium
    Most railways do not plan to pull out of diesel traction in the next decades. So there will be a market for modern diesel technologies in power classes suited for railways even in long-term perspective.
    Example:
   

DB re-engining programme

As a part of their re-engining programme German DB AG is currently replacing the engines of 400 old shunting locomotives by common rail engines.
open main section Environmental criteria
open main section Economic criteria
open main section Application outside railway sector
open main section Overall rating
References / Links:  Günther 1998;  www.siemensvdo.com
Attachments:
Related projects:
Contact persons:
 date created: 2002-10-09
 
 
© UIC - International Union of Railways 2003
 
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