Locotrol System
GE’s Locotrol system allows a single operator to control multiple sets of locomotives distributed in the same train, allowing more efficient operation and control of the train.
Environmental Benefit
GE’s Locotrol system reduces locomotive fuel consumption by allowing more efficient operation through the distribution of locomotive power throughout the train. On one representative customer route, comprehensive testing showed that installing the Locotrol system on a wide variety of locomotives and train configurations avoided an estimated 6 to 10 percent of locomotive NOx production by reducing the total power output required compared to a conventional train not using the Locotrol system.
Operating Benefit
By distributing power throughout the train, power can be independently controlled, increasing performance and control of the train through curves and hills. In addition, by distributing the control of brake pipe air throughout the train, automatic brake stopping times and charging times are reduced.
The environmental challenge
As freight demand and fuel costs increase, there is a need to improve the hauling efficiency of trains. Also, there are limitations to the amount of freight a conventional train can haul due to frictional and in-train forces. Locotrol provides a way to distribute locomotive power across the train to increase hauling capacity.
GE’s innovative solution
With the Locotrol system, GE developed a way to distribute power throughout the train utilizing radio wireless communications, to communicate locomotive control and status information. Through the distribution of locomotive power, in-train and wheel to rail forces are reduced, resulting in increased fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Environmental impact
These systems are installed on over 8,000 locomotives in North America. Based on data from one customer route, these systems avoid an estimated 25,000 to 37,000 tons of NOx emissions per year or the equivalent of removing 1.3 to 1.9 million cars from U.S. roads for a year.
Cutting costs
Based on data from one customer route, installing GE’s Locotrol system on a train configuration equipped with three Evolution locomotives operating under an average operating duty cycle is estimated to reduce fuel consumption by 6 to 10 percent, a savings of 62,000 to 93,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year or $185,000 to $280,000 at $3.00 per gallon.
