A NEW GENERATION OF SHUNTING LOCOMOTIVE IS LAUNCHED

In the Hatschek cement factory in Gmunden, Austria, a DER 120 shunting robot from specialists Vollert will ensure safe, economical and environmentally-friendly loading operations.

The new diesel-electrical drive technology, with variable speed drive, promises significantly reduced fuel consumption, higher efficiency and long-term profitability.

The speed of the diesel engines continuously adapts itself to the required output. This is made possible by the powerMELA drive system from Sensor-Technik Wiedemann (STW). It is, thus, possible to use smaller diesel engines while retaining the same vehicle performance, which again reduces fuel. Further benefits of the new drive technology are lower noise levels and a decline in exhaust gases.

The powerMELA drives are put into four-quadrant operation and can, therefore, be used as a generator as well as an engine. The powerMELA generator is connected to the diesel engine via a transfer case. This converts the mechanical energy produced by the diesel into electrical energy and supplies the powerMELA drive engines with it. The latter drive the axles via a spur gear gearbox.

The new GreenTech generation is a compelling choice, with high torque and enormous power from the start. Not only does the electric drive exhibit excellent efficiency, it provides a constant high torque and the power is available from low engine speeds, giving the shunting robot impressive thrust and a completely new driving experience.

The high efficiency reduces fuel consumption and NOX and CO2 emissions. Together with the particle filter, soot particle emissions into the environment are reduced by 99%. The combination of combustion drive and electrical drive charts a course for the future for shunting locomotives.