Alstom Prima

Last updated
Alstom Prima II on display at InnoTrans 2014 in Berlin Prima II - 2 1.jpg
Alstom Prima II on display at InnoTrans 2014 in Berlin

Prima is a family of railway diesel and electric locomotives built by Alstom. Manufacture of the type commenced in the late 1990s. By 2008, Alstom had reportedly sold 1,750 Prima locomotives.[ citation needed ] The second generation Prima II was launched in 2009. [1] The Prima H3 diesel/battery hybrid locomotive was launched in 2013.

Contents

The Alstom Prima was superseded by Alstom Traxx in the summer of 2023.

First generation

SNCF BB 27308 locomotive, a variant of the first generation Prima model SNCF Transilien 827336.jpg
SNCF BB 27308 locomotive, a variant of the first generation Prima model
A pair of Prima locomotives Veolia Lok 37 513 und 514 Biel 01 08.jpg
A pair of Prima locomotives

During 1998, the French national railway operator, SNCF, placed a large order with train manufacturer Alstom for 120 electric locomotives, which was later on increased to 240, to perform both domestic and international freight services. [2] The company decided to develop a new modular platform that would accommodate the requirements not only of the existing SNCF order, but to also comply with European interoperability standards, as well as a high degree of flexibility as to meet the divergent needs of different operators, potentially increasing the type's international appeal. [2] In this manner, the SNCF order can be attributed with the extension of the Prima locomotive range. The design of the electric models visibly shows a level of familiarity with the diesel-electric members of the family. [2]

In 2002, Alstom constructed a single Prima demonstrator for the purpose of investigating modular solutions for the configuration of onboard equipment, cab, traction and other systems. [2] During the following year, another Prima demonstrator, known as the multi-system Prima 6000, was built; this was originally to demonstrate to the SNCB what Alstom could produce for them; it was later used as a test platform for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and for as the new Prime II concept before being withdrawn in 2009. [2]

Electric locomotives
Diesel locomotives

Second generation

ONCFM E 1400 locomotive, a variant of the second generation Prima model ONCF E 1400 Sidi Mbarek Du R'Dom - Ain El Kaerma.jpg
ONCFM E 1400 locomotive, a variant of the second generation Prima model

On 20 May 2008, Alstom announced the details of a second generation of Prima locomotives, named "Prima II". [3] The prototype was unveiled on 3 June 2009 at Alstom's Belfort plant. [1] [4] The locomotives are designed to be modular and reconfigurable to suit customers requirements throughout their lifetimes. Electric versions can work with up to four different overhead line voltages; 1.5 Kv and 3 kV DC, as well as 15 KV and 25 kV AC; it possesses power ratings of up to 6.4 MW (8,600 hp), [lower-roman 1] and operating speeds of 140 to 200 km/h (87 to 124 mph). [1] [4] [lower-roman 2]

The design also accommodates for broader gauge versions, suitable for use in Russia, India and Finland, which have been reportedly viewed by Alstom's sales department as potential markets for the Prima II. [6] Compatibility with the ERTMS signalling system for European cross border operations is also a feature. [7] Six-axle Co′Co′ versions are also proposed for heavy freight operations, along with an accompanying increase in power output to 9.6 MW (12,900 hp) and a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) [6] [7] A diesel version is also planned in the long term. [6]

The first order for the second generation Prima II came from Morocco's national railway ONCFM, with an order in November 2007 for twenty electric locomotives. These are due to be delivered in the second half of 2009 for entry into passenger and freight service in 2010. [3] The Moroccan locomotives are to be initially delivered for 3 kV DC operation, with the potential to install a transformer and other electrical equipment for 25 kV AC operation at a later date when Moroccan electrification upgrade schemes take place. [6] ONCFM placed a follow-up order for 30 locomotives in February 2018. [8]

During November 2015, Alstom received a Letter of Award from the Ministry of Indian Railways to supply Indian Railways with 800 double section freight electric locomotives in class WAG-12, along with associated long-term maintenance. The total contract, which is worth in excess of €3 billion, shall also involve the establishment of a new assembly plant at Madhepura, in Bihar, as well as two maintenance depots at Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh and Nagpur, Maharashtra. The Prima locomotive for Indian Railways will be 9 MW (12,000 hp) at the wheel rim and will run at a speed up to 120 km/h. [9]

Electric locomotives

Prima H3

During August 2013, Alstom announced that it had launched development of the H3 diesel/battery hybrid locomotive. [11] The Prima H3 is a diesel/battery hybrid locomotive, intended mainly for use as a shunter. The aim of the project is to demonstrate the feasibility of a hybrid shunting locomotive in daily use; it is an initiative of the Eco Rail Innovation (ERI) and is being supported by a total of 19 companies. [12] Financing for the project includes €600,000 ($653,560 approximately) from the State of Bavaria. It was first publicly unveiled at InnoTrans 2014 in Berlin. [11] Alstom's Stendal site in Scaxony-Anhalt, Germany, is responsible for manufacturing the locomotives. [11]

The H3 locomotive is 12.8 meters long, 3.13 meters wide and 67 tonnes in weight. It has a maximum axle load of 22.5 t, can handle a minimum curve radius of 60 meters, and has a starting tractive effort of 240 kN. [11] The design incorporates an integrated flexicoil suspension system and a hydraulic bogie coupling system, the latter being designed and supplied by Liebherr. The hybrid locomotive is designed for an operation lifespan of up to 40 years and has been certified for a maximum speed of 100 km/h on mainline railways. [12] [13] These speeds allow the type to operate within short-distance mainline traffic without causing undue disruption. Several different models have been developed, including the H3 Battery 600 kW electric locomotive, the H3 Hybrid 700 kW hybrid locomotive, the H3 Dual Engine 700 kW dual engine locomotive, and the H3 Single Engine 1,000 kW single-engine locomotive. [11]

The H3 Battery model is provisioned with eight separate batteries which provide up to 600 kW, while the H3 Hybrid is instead equipped with a 350 kW generator and a 350 kW battery. [11] The H3 Dual Engine variant is fitted with a pair of 350 kW diesel engine generators, and the H3 Single Engine features a 1,000 kW diesel engine. The latter three variants are each equipped with a 2,000 L fuel tank, while no fuel tank is present on the battery-only model. [11] The first two H3 variants are designed to perform shunting operations in industrial areas and tunnels, while the third variant is designed for mainline services and industrial uses, and the fourth variant is designed for mainline services and heavy shunting operations. [11]

In common operational practice, the locomotive initially runs on batteries alone; when not in active use, it is plugged in during breaks for recharging. [11] [14] When required, the batteries are charged via a small diesel engine driving a generator; only when the battery voltage is no longer sufficient to move the vehicles does the diesel generator automatically power up to recharge the batteries or to provide additional power. This diesel engine is rated at 350 kW and is Stage IIIB compliant; it produced lower emissions, as well as a considerable reduction in noise, in comparison to conventional diesel traction. [12] According to Laug, Director of Production at DB Regio Franken in Nürnberg, the emissions are reduced by 70 percent, while fuel consumption has also been cut by 50 percent less to the traditional shunting locomotives, saving only 400 tons of CO₂ per year. Reportedly, DB operates their fleet on pure battery running for between 50 and 75 percent of their overall operating time. [12]

Since November 2016, a small fleet of five Alstom H3 hybrid locomotives have been deployed at railway stations of Nuremberg Central Station and Würzburg Hauptbahnhof. These locomotives are being used by Deutsche Bahn as part of an eight-year evaluation of the suitability of hybrids. [12] [15] In addition to Deutsche Bahn, several industrial users have also adopted the H3 in small numbers. [16] [17] Reportedly, by April 2017, a total of 19 Prima H3 hybrid locomotives are in service with Deutsche Bahn, Volkswagen, Audi, InfraLeuna, Mitteldeutsche Eisenbahn and Chemion Logistik. [13] [14] [18]

Operators

Prima
Prima II

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electro-diesel locomotive</span> Railway locomotive capable of running either under electrical or diesel power

An electro-diesel locomotive is a type of locomotive that can be powered either from an electricity supply or by using the onboard diesel engine. For the most part, these locomotives are built to serve regional, niche markets with a very specific purpose.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alstom Traxx</span> Family of locomotives manufactured by Alstom, originally by Bombardier

Alstom Traxx is a modular product platform of mainline diesel-electric and electric locomotives. It was produced originally by Bombardier Transportation and later Alstom, and was built in both freight and passenger variants. The first version was a dual-voltage AC locomotive built for German railways from the year 2000. Later types included DC versions, as well as quadruple-voltage machines, able to operate on most European electrification schemes: 1.5/3.0 kV DC and 15/25 kV AC. The family was expanded in 2006 to include diesel-powered versions. Elements common to all variants include steel bodyshells, two bogies with two powered axles each, three-phase asynchronous induction motors, cooling exhausts on the roof edges, and wheel disc brakes.

A hybrid train is a locomotive, railcar or train that uses an onboard rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), placed between the power source and the traction transmission system connected to the wheels. Since most diesel locomotives are diesel-electric, they have all the components of a series hybrid transmission except the storage battery, making this a relatively simple prospect.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SNCF Class BB 60000</span>

The SNCF Class BB 60000 are a class of 4 axle heavy shunting and light freight diesel–electric locomotives built at the Vossloh España works in Valencia. Since the class is primarily used as a freight locomotive the class is commonly referred to as SNCF BB 460000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Belgian Railways Class 13</span>

The Class 13 are a type of mixed use 200 km/h (124 mph) multivoltage electric locomotive of type Traxis designed by Alstom in the late 1990s for the Belgian and Luxembourgish railways.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SNCF Class BB 36000</span> French electric locomotive

The SNCF Class BB 36000 locomotives are a class of triple voltage 4 axle twin bogie electric locomotives built by GEC-Alsthom between 1996 and 2001 for SNCF.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Voith Maxima</span> Family of Diesel-hydraulic locomotives

The Voith Maxima locomotives are a family of diesel-hydraulic locomotives built by Voith Turbo Lokomotivtechnik GmbH & Co. KG., a subsidiary of Voith.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Voith Gravita</span> Family of railway locomotives

The Voith Gravita locomotives are a family of road switcher diesel-hydraulic locomotives built by Voith Turbo Lokomotivtechnik GmbH & Co. KG. Available in a range of configurations from 4 to 6 axles, they are designed for shunting and light and medium freight operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alstom Prima diesel locomotives</span> Diesel-electric locomotive

The Prima Diesel-electric locomotives are a class of medium and heavy, four- and six-axle, passenger and freight mainline locomotives. They have been built both to 1,435 mm standard and 1,668 mm broad gauges, and find use in the Middle East, Europe and North America. Alstom is the primary designer in cooperation with both General Motors and Siemens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SNCF Class BB 75000</span>

The SNCF BB 75000 are 4 axle, Bo′Bo′, diesel electric locomotives ordered in 2000 by SNCF for freight operations to renew its aging fleet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eurorunner</span>

The Eurorunner family of locomotives are a series of medium- to high-power diesel-electric locomotives built by Siemens for the European market. Introduced from 2002 onwards, they share design characteristics with the successful Eurosprinter range of electric locomotives, also built by Siemens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vossloh G2000 BB</span> Diesel-hydraulic locomotive

The G 2000 BB is a four axle heavy shunting and mainline locomotive, designed by German company Vossloh and built at the former MaK plant in Kiel. At the time of its introduction in 2000 it was the most powerful hydraulic transmission locomotive in Vossloh's range.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MaK / Vossloh G1206</span> Diesel-hydraulic locomotive

The Vossloh G1206 is a B'B' diesel hydraulic freight locomotive built in Kiel and used by several European railway operators including a SNCF specific variant the BB 461000 series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iranian Railways AD43C</span>

The AD43C is a type of mainline 6 axle Co'Co' diesel locomotive designed by Alstom and used by the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI). It was in production from 2000. Delivery started in 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metrans Rail</span> Czech railway cargo company

Metrans Rail s.r.o. is a Czech railway operator. It operates regular freight trains connecting container terminal of its parent Metrans in Prague-Uhříněves with Rotterdam. It is presently a wholly-owned subsidiary of the German logistics company HHLA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stadler Euro Dual</span> Electro-diesel locomotive

The Stadler EuroDual is a series of dual power, electro-diesel locomotive by Stadler Rail Valencia. Unlike traditional dual mode locomotives, fitted with relatively low-powered diesel engines for 'last mile' movements only, vehicles are typically furnished with power units more comparable to that of mainline diesel locomotives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BB 63413 Plathee</span>

BB 63413 PLATHEE is a hybrid locomotive that was used for testing on the French rail operator SNCF. PLATHEE is an acronym for "Platform for Energy- Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Hybrid Trains".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian locomotive class WAG-12</span> Indian Railway freight class high horsepower electric locomotive

The Indian locomotive class WAG-12B is a class of 25 kV AC electric locomotives that was developed in 2017 by Alstom with technological collaboration with Indian Railways. The model name stands for wide gauge (W), alternating current (A), goods traffic (G) locomotive-12. They entered trial service in 2019. A total of 450 WAG-12B have been built at Electric Locomotive Factory, Madhepura, Bihar, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SNCF Class BB 66000</span> Class of 318 French centre-cab diesel locomotives

The SNCF Class BB 66000 is a class of 318 centre cab diesel locomotives built for SNCF by a consortium of CAFL, CEM, Alsthom, Fives-Lille and SACM between 1960 and 1968.

The British Rail Class 18 is a class of hybrid locomotives designed and built by the British railway locomotive manufacturer Clayton Equipment Company in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. It has also been referred to as the CBD90 Hybrid+ by Clayton and private railway customers.

References

Notes

  1. ↑ Between 4.2 and 6.4 MW (5,600 and 8,600 hp) for 4 axle version, dependent upon supply voltage
  2. ↑ 140 km/h (87 mph) for freight,200 km/h (120 mph) for passenger version - a change of bogies is required for conversion between passenger and freight versions. [5]

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 "Prima II prototype rolled out by Alstom". Railway Gazette International . 3 June 2009.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "The Prima platform." railcolor.net, Retrieved: 20 May 2018.
  3. 1 2 "Prima II design unveiled by Alstom". Railway Gazette International . 23 May 2008.
  4. 1 2 "Alstom unveils the Prima II prototype, its new generation locomotive." Archived 16 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine Alstom, 3 June 2009.
  5. ↑ Press release poster image Archived 16 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine Alstom.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Charlier, Laurent. "Prima goes modular to tap new markets." railwaygazette.com, 7 October 2008.
  7. 1 2 "Prima II 'Borderless Efficiency'." [ permanent dead link ]Alstom, Retrieved: 20 May 2018.
  8. ↑ "ONCF orders 30 Alstom electric locomotives". Railway Gazette International. 9 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  9. ↑ "Alstom to supply 800 double electric locomotives to Indian Railways." Alstom, November 2015.
  10. ↑ "Indian Railways WAG 12". Financial Express .
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "H3 Hybrid Shunting Locomotive Project." railway-technology.com, Retrieved: 20 May 2018.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 "[DE] Official presentation: The H3 hybrid shunting locomotives of DB Regio Franken." railcolornews.com, 1 December 2016.
  13. 1 2 "Prima H3 shunting loco approved for 100 km/." Rail Gazette, 5 April 2017.
  14. 1 2 "Audi using Alstom H3 plug-in hybrid shunting locomotive at Ingolstadt." Green Car Congress, 30 October 2015.
  15. ↑ Sadley, Katie. "Deutsche Bahn takes delivery of five Prima H3 hybrid locomotives." globalrailwayreview.com, 18 October 2016.
  16. ↑ "German Hybrids". Railways Illustrated (172): 9. June 2017.
  17. ↑ "Prima shunting and works locomotive". Alstom. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  18. ↑ "Hybrid shunting locomotive launched at Port of Hamburg." globalrailnews.com, 25 July 2016.

Further information

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.