Reduced emissions predicted from 'Green' train

Advanced Battery Technology, Jul 2002

In an effort to modernize shunting locomotives, a Canadian company has launched its emissions-reducing, fuelefficient Green Goat(TM) shunter (shown on page 1). RailPower Technologies Corp. says its new shunter engine can reduce smog causing nitrogen oxide emissions and particulate matter production by at least 85%, removing equivalent emissions of 700 cars. The Vancouver-based company also says Green Goat can reduce yard operating costs by 30% through fuel efficiency, compared with other vehicles of this type, as well as being half the price.

In railway terms, goat is a shunter engine. The Green Goat is an environmentally friendly version known as a hybrid shunter because it is powered mainly by lead acid batteries rather than traditional diesel energy.

Thirty lead acid batteries weighing 55,000 pounds power the locomotive. These are charged by a diesel microturbine engine. Unlike conventional shunter turbines, which continue to run when the train is idle, this micro-turbine is used only when the acid batteries need topping up, therefore consuming less fuel. As the load of the generator engine doesn't vary - the battery weight always remains the same - the Green Goat can travel at a constant speed.

As for any potential pollution problems with the acid batteries, a spokesperson for RailPower pointed out that these batteries last for 10 years in this train - double their normal lifespan. He added that these types of batteries are used in many types of vehicles with less negative environmental implications.

The Green Goat is currently leased to Union Pacific Railroad Co., the first company to commercially test it. At the moment there is only one such shunter. However, RailPower will decide soon on whether to produce more trains, depending on the feedback it gets.

For details; www.railpower.com/greengoat.php.