A FLEET of 10 diesel locomotives owned by Paris metro operator RATP is being re-engined with Deutz 1015 power plants. The first of the BB 63500 locos has now been completed, and work is underway on the second.
The modernisation is being carried out over 18 months by Voies Ferrées Légères et Industrielles. The locomotives are being completely stripped down, and the existing Poyaud diesel engine replaced.
VFLI designed the replacement drive system, which incorporates two Deutz BF8M 1015C diesel engines, each supplying a Leroy-Somer alternator with 345 kW at 1800rev/min. These meet European RL 2002/88 Level II emissions standards, and had to undergo further testing to demonstrate compliance with RATP’s requirements for use in tunnels.
The engines have electronic management using CAN bus interfaces. The maximum speed of the locos is 100 km/h, but in service they will be limited to 60 km/h on the RATP network. Each engine drives one or both bogies via its alternator, and when the load on the first engine reaches around 70% the second is switched on automatically. This offers environmental benefits and more economical operation, as the engines are able to function with optimal speed and load ranges. The electrical systems and transformers are being supplied by ENAG.
Auxiliary power is provided by a Deutz F4L 913 Gen engine which delivers 34 kW at 1500rev/min, supplying power for the on-board brake compressor unit which is required when the locos operate on the SNCF network.
Deutz, Germany
Reader Enquiry Number: 143
