CN Testing Natural Gas Powered Locomotives
Thursday, October 4, 2012 @ 3:58 AM
Prince George, B.C.- CN is testing natural gas as a primary fuel to run two locomotives that would normally be powered by diesel and electricity.
The test is underway on the line linking Edmonton to Fort McMurray.
CN’s executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Keith Creel, says the test will “explore the use of natural gas as a potential alternative to conventional diesel fuel.”
The results of the test should prove interesting to those who have been working on trying to improve air quality in Prince George.
Although CN has been upgrading its fleet of locomotives with newer more efficient units, diesel emissions from the CN location in downtown Prince George have factored into the mix of emissions recorded in studies to identify sources of particulates.
“Natural gas has a lower carbon content compared with diesel fuel, so that locomotives using natural gas – if the railway technology employing this form of energy ultimately proves viable – would produce significantly fewer carbon dioxide emissions” says Creel.
But will the railway consider switching to natural gas locomotives for its regular runs through Prince George to Prince Rupert? It’s way too early to say says CN spokesperson Mark Hallam “ We are only focused right now on the Edmonton to Fort McMurray line, and its way too early to say how that test will turn out.” The test is expected to last a year, at which time CN will evaluate the potential cost savings and any possible operating efficiencies.
CN is testing two locomotives that have been retrofitted to run on natural gas using conversion kits. It is estimated the hybrid model will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 70% over the life of the locomotive.
The retrofitted locomotives, using 90 per cent natural gas, with 10 per cent diesel fuel for ignition, are paired with a natural gas fuel tender, or specially equipped and protected tank car, between them.
CN is also working with partners on a longer term project to develop a “state of the art” natural gas railway engine and a standardized protected fuel tank car.
It is possible a prototype of the natural gas powered main line locomotive could be ready for testing as early as 2014.
Comments
thinking out side the box
Reducing C02, a plant food why? When the earth was already getting short of it. C02 follows temperature, not temperature follows C02. There is no proof anywhere that mans minuscule contribution to atmospheric C02 has contributed to any warming. There is no science that proves, despite the yelling, that any C02 contributes to warming, even after tens of billions spent in research.
Its all about the money and politics, not the science. CN I am sure knows this.
Read this from a renowned engineer.
http://rps3.com/Files/Ochkosh_2010_talks/Oshkosh2010.EngrCritique.AGW.pdf
I think there is potential for be more benefits than climate considerations. Possible cost savings and health advantages too. A quick blurb from Wiki.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_exhaust
“Diesel exhaust has been found to contain many toxic air contaminants. It is a carcinogen which causes lung cancer and is associated with bladder cancer. Among these pollutants, fine particle pollution is perhaps the most important as a cause of diesel’s deleterious health effects.”
“Reducing C02, a plant food why? When the earth was already getting short of it.” This is something I did not know thanks Seamutt. And no I do not want to get into a url posting contest.
“potential for be more” lol
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