Waste Heat is the Key for More Energy and Lower Consumption

Reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions effectively and getting more drive energy - this is not a contradiction. The Voith SteamTrac piston expander provides the evidence. For the first time, a SteamTrac has been installed in a rail vehicle of SWEG Verkehrsbetriebe Breisgau Kaiserstuhl, Germany, and underwent a practical test. The predicted result: fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions decreased by 4 to 12%.

The principle is quite simple: superheated steam from the waste heat of combustion engines is forwarded to the SteamTrac via a heat exchanger. The SteamTrac converts this steam into additional mechanical energy, which is then redirected straight to the driveline.

Since March, a SteamTrac has been operating in a rail test vehicle of SWEG. The single-car diesel railcar built by Waggon Union Berlin dates back to the year 1993. It is fitted with two 250-kW diesel-hydraulic drive systems with Voith turbo transmissions.

According to Voith calculations, the SteamTrac, which is connected to one of the two engines, generates an additional input power of 24 kW. Initial measuring trips already came up with an additional power of 19 kW. The extra output has a positive impact on fuel consumption and therefore CO₂ emissions. On average, reductions of at least 4 up to a maximum of 12% can be achieved - depending on the driving profile.

Voith Turbo, the specialist for hydrodynamic drive, coupling and braking systems for road, rail and industrial applications, as well as for ship propulsion systems, is a Group Division of Voith GmbH.

Voith sets standards in the markets energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transportation & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith employs almost 40 000 people, generates €5.2 billion in sales, operates in about 50 countries around the world and is today one of the biggest family-owned companies in Europe.