Speaker: Brian T. Scales, PhD, P.E.
Transportation Engineer
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Topic: Dual-Mode Propulsion Extends Range of High Speed Rail

Place: American Public Transportation Association
11th Floor Conference Room
1666 K Street, NW, Washington, DC

Red Line: Farragut North (K Street Exit)
Orange/Blue Lines: Farragut West (17th Street Exit)

Date/Time: Tuesday September 15, 2015, 11:30 am

Lunch: $15.00 CASH AT THE DOOR (Meal subsidized by IEEE VTS)

Reservations: Reply to this announcement at vts.ltc.dc@gmail.com
(Please make your reservations by Noon Friday September 11)

Amtrak ALP-45 Dual-Propulsion Locomotive

About the Topic:

Dual-mode propulsion in the form of electro- diesel and battery-electric locomotives is an established concept. Locomotives using these technologies have been in service for many years to provide a “last-mile” capability for freight trains and traction capability when electric power is not available due to system failure or intentionally during engineering work on the infrastructure. In recent times, dual-mode propulsion has extended the range of commuter trains with the introduction of electro-diesel locomotives that operate with third-rail or overhead contact system (OCS) electric power, or with diesel prime mover. In similar fashion, the range of high-speed trains, capable of speeds of 110 mph or greater, can be extended beyond the OCS by adopting dual-mode propulsion.

There are three circumstances where dual-mode propulsion of high-speed trains is appropriate. The first case is where it is desired to extend high-speed rail service now beyond the existing OCS territory in an interim stage while OCS equipment is installed on the route. The second case involves the extension of high-speed rail service over an existing route where it not feasible to install OCS equipment. A typical example of the second case is where most of the operation is over an electrified line and the extension is a relatively small proportion of the total trip, possibly involving running over a line that also carries freight trains. The third case involves the introduction of high-speed rail service on an existing route that is not electrified while OCS equipment is being installed.

The speaker will present a conceptual design of a dual-mode high-speed train that has the capability of operating in electric mode up to 186 mph and in diesel mode up to 110 mph. The train follows contemporary European high-speed EMU practice for the electric mode aspect, with the driving cars replaced by driving power tenders (mobile traction powerhouses). The power tenders input electrical power to the EMU train at the direct current link in the propulsion system. Hotel and auxiliary power are provided by diesel generators mounted underfloor on two EMU cars. For changeover to all-electric propulsion, the power tenders are replaced by driving trailers, which increases the seating capacity of the train. The diesel generator sets are retained in the all-electric mode to provide hotel and auxiliary power and limited input traction power for get-home capability in the event of failure of the OCS.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Scales is a Transportation Engineer involved in technical, economic and performance evaluation of high-speed rail, locomotive and railcar systems and components. He is also concerned in writing specifications for the procurement of rail systems and components and testing automated people-movers.

Brian received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Kings College, University of London and a PhD from University of Surrey in Guildford, England and has lectured in Railway Mechanical Engineering at Cranfield University in the UK and at Trinity College in Ireland. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a licensed professional engineer in Virginia, holds several patents, and has authored numerous technical papers. Brian is a long time member and frequent speaker to our group.
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IEEE VTS OFFICERS:
• Chair – Karl Berger, P.E.
• Vice-Chair – Martin Schroeder, P.E.
• Secretary – Ken Briers
• Treasurer – Steve Bezner, P.E.
• Chair Emeritus – Chuck Engelhardt
Program Committee:
• Chuck Englehardt
• Reg Mitchell
• Ted Caliga
• Frank Cihak
• Ken Briers
• Steve Bezner
• Martin Schroeder
• Karl Berger
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