FUEL savings and lower emissions are promised by the use of an auxiliary power unit on large American diesel locos. A prototype APU was demonstrated by CSX Transportation on August 9. The diesel-fuelled APU automatically shuts down the main locomotive engine when the train is stopped, but provides power to operate all vital equipment, including cab heating and air-conditioning, and keeps engine fluids at the correct temperature.
CSX and International Road & Rail have formed EcoTrans Technologies, a joint venture company based in Florida, to sell the technology to other operators.
Nitrous oxide emissions are cut by 92%, to meet the US Environmental Protection Agency tier 0 limits due to be introduced on January 1. CSX estimates use of the APU will save 30000 litres of fuel per locomotive per year.
EcoTrans Technologies, USA
Reader Enquiry Number 133
