Tognum successfully tests exhaust-gas recirculation in 5,000-hour operational test

• mtu Series 4000 rail engine used as a technology demonstrator
• Exhaust-gas recirculation reduces nitrogen oxides
• Completion of long-term test in switching locomotive

Friedrichshafen, 22 November 2007. The Tognum company MTU Friedrichshafen has successfully completed a research project involving the operational test of a rail engine with exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR). As part of the “AERA” project (Advanced Engine for Future Rail Applications), the project partners mtu and Deutsche Bahn AG examined a heavy-duty switching locomotive with an mtu Series 4000 test engine. The goal of the AERA project was to test the technology of this pre series-production engine in a 5,000-hour endurance test under normal operating conditions.

The exhaust-gas recirculation system mixes cooled exhaust gas with the intake air, thus reducing peak combustion temperatures with the result that lower emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) are produced. The AERA test engine with exhaust-gas recirculation achieved nitrogen-oxide levels of 5.4 g/kWh, which is lower than the EU limits in force as of 2009. The test version is based on an 8-cylinder Series 4000 rail engine with 1,000 kW (1,360 hp). The next stage on the way to series production is the integration of cooled exhaust-gas recirculation in the design of the next engine generation. mtu will also apply these research results in the development of exhaust-gas recirculation for ship engines and power generators.

Deutsche Bahn AG provided a switching locomotive from Railion Deutschland AG for the 5,000-hour test. One other important result of the cooperation – in addition to the component and emission tests – was to see how the new technology functioned in conjunction with the given space and weight of the locomotives in which it will later be used in normal operations. The AERA locomotive was in daily use in the Stuttgart region.


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Tognum

Tognum is one of the world’s leading suppliers of high speed diesel engines and complete propulsion systems for ships, heavy land and rail vehicles and of industrial drive systems as well as decentralized power plants, set-up in the two divisions mtu Engines and Tognum Onsite Energy Systems and Components.

Its product portfolio includes diesel engines in the power range from 20 to 9,100 kW, gas engine systems, gas turbines and fuel cells and is one of the most modern and comprehensive in its sector. In addition, the group develops and manufactures custom-made electronic control and monitoring systems for its engines and propulsion systems.

Sales of the Tognum Group amounted to EUR 2.5 billion in 2006. Today, the Group employs more than 7,800 personnel worldwide. It maintains a global sales and distribution network including 16 subsidiaries, more than 130 distribution partners and 1,100 authorized dealers.