GE debuts new hybrid locomotive in Los Angeles

GE debuts new hybrid locomotive in Los Angeles The General Electric Co. will debut a unique hybrid road locomotive Thursday during an event at Los Angeles' Union Station designed to highlight the firm's development of hybrid train technology.
   The trademarked Evolution Hybrid locomotive, developed by GE-Transportation, features a series of special batteries that are capable of capturing and storing energy dissipated by the locomotive during dynamic braking. By recapturing the normally wasted source of energy, the system will reduce overall fuel consumption and emissions of the 4,400-horsepower locomotive by as much as 10 percent compared to most of the freight locomotives in use today. According to GE, the energy dissipated in braking a 207-ton locomotive during the course of one year is enough to power 160 households for that year.
   An additional benefit is that the hybrid engine can operate more efficiently at higher altitudes and up steep inclines.
   The new locomotive, a prototype test-bed model, will help GE engineers further develop and refine the special lead-free rechargeable batteries and corresponding control systems onboard the locomotive. Following lab testing, GE will produce preproduction units for field validation by customers. GE said in a release that it ultimately plans to offer the engine design in a commercially available unit.
   Several GE customers, including BNSF and Union Pacific, serve on GE's advisory board for the development of hybrid technology.