Background information on Powerline rail automation

Contact:

Mirko Gutemann
Phone: +49 7541 90-4741
E-mail: mirko.gutemann@tognum.com

MTU automation for new build and re-

powering diesel locomotives

 Powerline automation system to extend range of Series

4000 engines for rail applications
 Standardised electronic interface for locomotive
manufacturers
 Powerline PAU Engine module for new build and PAU
Traction for repowering locomotives
 Available for all existing and future MTU Series 4000
engines
 CaPoS replaces conventional starter battery

Friedrichshafen/Berlin, 21 September 2010. As a systems provider,

Tognum subsidiary MTU Friedrichshafen also supplies the appropriate
automation package for drive systems based on the Series 4000
locomotive engine: Powerline is an integrated, electronic automation
system that is available in two different versions for new build
locomotives or for repowering existing locomotives. A Powerline
supplement is CaPoS (Capacitor Power System), a modern starting
power supply system based on ultracaps (capacitors) to replace
conventional starter batteries.
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Powerline monitors and controls all the functions of drive systems

equipped with MTU engines. Interaction between the vehicle
components and the drive system takes place fully automatically, which
is of great benefit to the drivers of the locomotives, since they
concentrate completely on what they are doing. The Powerline
automation system provides optimum matching of the drive system to
the multitude of conditions encountered in rail operations. With the
Power Automation Unit Engine (PAU Engine) as key electronic
component, the Power Output Module (POM) starter system and the
Advanced Diesel Engine Control (ADEC) engine controller, Powerline
provides simple integration of the engine into the locomotive.

The Power Automation Unit Engine (PAU Engine) is a unit that

combines many individual components that were previously required in
locomotive automation systems, such as monitoring and control
modules, relays, terminals and switches in just one unit. PAU Engine
has a redundant CANopen bus interface and not only controls the diesel
engine, but also other engine-related rail vehicle components, such as
the cooling system or the electric fuel pump. With the integrated
CANopen system interface, automation systems supplied by other
manufacturers can be easily installed. In addition, engine and diagnostic
data can be transmitted reliably from the engine to the locomotive’s on-
board computer and are available to the driver on displays in the cab.
This interface provides the railway operator’s service technicians and
fleet management staff with direct and easy access to all the relevant
data, such as engine rpm, temperatures and alarm signals.

In the case of repowering in particular, MTU as a systems supplier offers

more than just the diesel engine. It supplies a complete drive module for
diesel-electric drive systems. The components of the Power
Automation Unit Traction (PAU Traction) provide both control and
integration of the traction generators and the rectifier and the existing
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traction motors into the system. For operators who wish to re-engine
their locomotives, PAU Traction offers a variety of benefits. The
installation of the new engine is much simplified, because the existing
locomotive control system is used. PAU Traction also uses the existing
safety functions, so that the certification of the repowered locomotive by
the manufacturer is much easier. The retrofitter receives an electronics
package from MTU that meets the latest safety standards and has been
tested and approved by the authorised German inspection authority
TÜV. Under normal operating conditions, PAU Traction provides low fuel
consumption and offers the driver precise control of the tractive effort to
ensure very good locomotive running characteristics.

MTU is extending its Powerline product range with another system

component, the Capacitor Power System (CaPoS). CaPoS is a
completely new generation starting power supply system for MTU rail
engines. It is used as a replacement battery and consists of capacitor
units with high-energy density. Electric power can be stored temporarily
in these units and are virtually maintenance-free. The energy storage
device has a service life that is approximately 15 years longer than that
of a conventional locomotive battery pack.

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