Genset locomotive explained
A genset locomotive is a locomotive in which a number of smaller diesel engines are used rather than a single large engine. The term is short for "generator set."[1]
Aspects of gensets
A genset uses one to three small diesel engines to provide power. An operator is able to activate each engine as needed, with more than one engine gensets activating one for light work and activating more for heavier work, with excess engines turned off when the extra power is not needed.[1]
Advantages
- More efficient design.
- Longer service life.
- Fuel savings.
- Ultra-low emissions.
- Improved wheel to rail adhesion capability.
- With multiple engine gensets, should one genset engine fail, the others can keep the train going, albeit at reduced speed.
- Removing a genset engine requires smaller size crane, while a larger crane is required to remove a traditional diesel prime mover.[1] [2] [3] [4]
Disadvantages
- More complex design.
- Greater capital cost.
- Greater deadweight.
- More engines, and the engines and generators do not use standard parts, reducing reliability.
- Multiple smaller truck type engines which lack the hardiness of a single large railroad type prime mover.
- Engineers do not like them because they are slow to get a cut of cars moving.[5] [6] [4]
Table of produced gensets
| N | Year | Country | Manufacturer | Model | HP | Engines | Axels | Gauge | Link | Remark | K |
|---|
| 003+ | 2013 | India | | WDM-2G | 2400 (3x800) | | B-B | 1676mm | LK | RK | K |
| 005 | 2006 | United States | | | 2100 (3x700) | Cummins | WH | 1435mm | LK | RK | K |
| 010 | 2014 | South Africa | | ML | 0710 | ES | WH | 1067mm
1000 mm | LK | RK | K |
| 020 | 2010 | United States | Railserve Leaf | ML | 1200 (2x600) | Cummins
QSX15-L3 | B-B | 1435 mm | LK | RK | K |
| 030 | 201? | United States | | MPI MP14B | 1400 (2x700) | Cummins
QSK19C | B-B | 1435 mm | LK | RK | K |
| 040 | 2007 | United States | | | 1530 (2x765) | Deutz
BD2015 | WH | 1435 mm | LK | RK | K |
| 042 | 2004 | United States | | Railpower GG20B
Greengoat | 300;
2000 using supplemental battery | Caterpillar C9 | B-B | 1435 mm | LK | Only genset
with large battery for extra power | K |
| 050 | 201? | United States | Progress Rail | | 4300 (1x3600 +
1x700) | .
Caterpillar
C175
C18 | | 1435 mm | LK | RK | K |
| 100 | 20?? | United States | Brookville | | 2100 (3x700) | | B-B | 1435 mm | LK | RK | K |
| 200 | 20?? | United States | | | 1400 (2x700) | | B-B | 1435 mm | LK | RK | K |
| 300 | 2013 | Germany | | Traxx
DE Multi-Engine | 2880 (4x720) | ES | WH | 1435 mm | LK | RK | K |
|
See also
- NRE 3GS21B
- Glossary of North American railway terms: Genset
- Railpower GGS2000D - a one-off.
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: What is a Genset locomotive? . Railserve Leaf . January 3, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20150219094153/https://www.railserveleaf.biz/genset-locomotive-described.html . 2015-02-19.
- Web site: N-Viromotive new locomotive . www.nationalrailway.com . dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20070901124930/http://www.nationalrailway.com/nviro.asp . 2007-09-01.
- Web site: Locomotives . nre.com . . 28 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20220328062412/https://nre.com/locomotives/ . 2022-03-28.
- Web site: Technology - Genset . up.com . . 28 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20220120024215/https://www.up.com/aboutup/environment/technology/index.htm. 2022-01-20.
- News: Lustig . David . The controversial Genset locomotive . 28 February 2023 . . February 20, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230228162940/https://www.trains.com/trn/railroads/locomotives/the-controversial-genset-locomotive/. 2023-02-28.
- News: DeBruler . Dennis . Gensets are already dead . 28 February 2023 . Industrial History . March 21, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20180301030533/http://industrialscenery.blogspot.com/2017/03/gensets-are-already-dead.html. 2018-03-01.
