Background
AHT was awarded a “Cleaner Futures Catapult” Government grant through a joint application with our client, Harry Needle Railroad. The judging panel noted that the Engine Carbon Clean (“ECC”) system’s potential to reduce carbon emissions was a key factor in selecting the project, aligning with the goals of the “Cleaner Futures” initiative for possible positive impact on the rail industry. The testing was facilitated by Coventry University at the BCIMO (Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation https://bcimo.co.uk/ ), the UK government’s locomotive testing facility in Dudley. Harry Needle provided one of their 1960s Class 08 locomotives and ECC installed an R4 cleaning device and a carbon capture device on this classic rail yard workhorse. The tests took place over 10 days, focusing on fuel efficiency improvements and emissions reductions.
Results
Tests show the ECC system cuts emissions in every category and boosts locomotive fuel efficiency by 8% with continual use.
These very positive results have shown that classic railroad technology can be modernised to save fuel and reduce emissions cost-effectively. It is expected that fuel efficiency in locomotives may improve further with ongoing use over an extended period as the hydrogen and oxygen from the R4 installed on the locomotive provide a continuous supply of dual fuel gases.
Following the BCIMO testing, AHT initiated conversations with various rail freight and locomotive operators. A draft MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) has been discussed with DB ESG, part of the DB Group (Deutsche Bahn), to potentially offer the ECC systems to DB clients in the UK and internationally.
Due to the attention from the BCIMO results, AHT will be featured in a future episode of BBC Worldwide’s “Click,” a technology programme that presents new innovations. Filming is planned for September/October 2024 and will include coverage of the ECC rail cleaning system (R4) the carbon capture device and activities involving DB and Harry Needle Railroad.
