22.12.17
ScotRail to trial hydraulic tech to cut carbon emissions
A new hydraulic pump could reduce Scotland’s carbon emissions by 4,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
The digital pump, which is being used by ScotRail, will initially be trialled on a standard commuter train.
Most modern diesel trains use a hydraulic unit to power each carriage’s cooling fans and generate electricity, which uses around 10% to 15% of the engine’s fuel.
The new pump uses computer-controlled valves to switch its cylinders off when they are not required, making it more efficient, and giving significant fuel savings.
It is estimated that the new pumps will save over 9,000 litres of diesel per carriage per year.
If rolled out across the ScotRail fleet of class 170 Turbostars, this would equate to over 1.5 million litres of fuel saved each year.
The technology has been part-funded by the Rail Safety and Standards Board and can be used wherever hydraulic systems are found.
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