Decarbonization in rail freight transport: SmartHybrid battery drive from KIEPE for center-cab locomotive DE 18 from Vossloh Rolling Stock

• KIEPE equips Vossloh Rolling Stock's DE 18 center-cab locomotives with SmartHybrid battery power converters, eleven systems have already been delivered

• System integration by KIEPE replaces the locomotives' additional diesel tanks with battery drive

• Locomotives meet new environmental guidelines or local emission limits for pollutants and noise emissions

• KIEPE presents SmartHybrid battery solution at InnoTrans 2024

Düsseldorf, September 18, 2024 – Economical and low-emission rail vehicles are in demand, and this also applies to cargo locomotives. KIEPE, a global provider of electrical systems for trains and buses, has developed the right solution and received a framework order from Vossloh Rolling Stock. Eleven class DE 18 diesel-electric shunting locomotives have already been equipped with a SmartHybrid battery drive instead of an additional diesel tank. Their low-emission and low-noise operation brings operators various benefits such as higher availability, decarbonization and energy efficiency. At InnoTrans in Berlin (September 24-27, 2024), KIEPE will present the SmartHybrid solution at Booth 430, Hall 9.

Ulrich Lauel, Director Global Sales Rail Systems at KIEPE: “Rail vehicles are designed for very long lifecycles. It is therefore important to keep an eye on the latest technologies. KIEPE wants to work with its customers to exploit all possibilities to implement the low-emission and efficient vehicles required today. We are fortunate that we have been able to add a successful chapter to our long-standing business partnership with Vossloh Rolling Stock with this locomotive project."

KIEPE's system integration is convincing

KIEPE has already equipped over 130 DE 18 locomotives from Vossloh Rolling Stock, mainly used in heavy shunting and mainline service, with traction converters (TU 900). Eleven locomotives of this type have already been equipped with a SmartHybrid battery drive and control system.

The power converter with integrated battery is mounted under the locomotive in place of the additional fuel tank and is connected to the locomotive's fire protection system. KIEPE equips the SmartHybrid battery drive with the batteries in an assembly facility specially set-up for this purpose in Düsseldorf. Two battery packs are placed in the housing of the UGC 301 (underfloor equipment container 301) and integrated into the locomotive's drive system and its controls. The batteries can be charged via the diesel engine or via an external power supply (3AC 400V). KIEPE contributes with system integration know-how to optimize the interaction between the battery and the traction container. 

Economical operation despite frequent start and stop operation

The class DE 18 SmartHybrid locomotive can be used more flexibly in operation because it meets new environmental guidelines or local emission limits with regard to pollutants and noise emissions. The vehicles can drive in "zero-emission" areas, such as tunnels, inside factory buildings or train stations. In addition, depending on the load profile, a locomotive can carry out up to one hour of shunting operations without emitting emissions, even at night thanks to the low noise levels. The frequent starting and stopping of the locomotives is more economical because the extended start-stop function of the diesel engine reduces pollutant emissions. This can reduce fuel costs by as much as 25% and also reduce maintenance costs. Battery operation scores points for its increased efficiency, especially when power requirements are low (less than 400 kW). Auxiliary units can be supplied with energy for up to three hours when the diesel engine is switched off.

Caption: The SmartHybrid battery drive from KIEPE makes the DE 18 locomotive more flexible and sustainable in its use. | © Vossloh Rolling Stock

KIEPE, headquartered in Düsseldorf with subsidiaries in Austria, Canada, Italy, Switzerland and the USA, is known worldwide for its efficient and ecologically sustainable electrical equipment. The company has been offering solutions for light rail, subways, regional trains, locomotives and electric buses with In Motion Charging (IMC) and High-Power Charging (HPC) since 1906. In addition, KIEPE provides charging systems for various applications. Kiepe Electric GmbH is a company of Heramba Electric plc.