Investigations of Exhaust Emissions from Rail Machinery during Track Maintenance Operations

Abstract

The paper presents the investigations of exhaust emissions under actual operation of two rail vehicles: a track geometry vehicle and a clearance vehicle. The environmental assessment of this type of objects is difficult due to the necessity of adapting the measurement equipment and meeting the safety requirements during the tests (particularly regarding the distance from the overhead electrical lines). The authors have proposed and developed a unique research methodology, based on which a detailed exhaust emissions analysis (CO, HC, NOx, and PM) was carried out. The complex assessment included the unit and on-track exhaust emissions. In the analyses, the authors also included the operating conditions of the powertrains of the tested machinery. The obtained environmental indexes were referred to the homologation standards, according to which the vehicles were approved for operation. Due to the nature of operation of the tested vehicles, the authors carried out a comprehensive environmental assessment in the daily and annual approach as well as in the aspect of their operation as combined vehicles, which is a novel approach to the assessment of the environmental performance of this type of objects.

Environmental Impact Evaluation as a Key Element in Ensuring Sustainable Development of Rail Transport

“…Indirect emissions in rail transport are related to ensuring the proper operation of infrastructure and rolling stock that are not produced directly by rail vehicles. Examples include the emission of greenhouse gases and particulate matter through power plants that provide energy to electrically powered rolling stock [52], harmful emissions from equipment used to maintain rail transport components, or pollution generated during the rolling stock production and maintenance process [53].…”

Modern combustion-electric PowerPack drive system design solutions for a hybrid two-unit rail vehicle

“…The source of energy in modular drive systems is an internal combustion engine in most cases, which, due to its nature of operation, emits harmful substances into the atmosphere resulting from the fuel combustion process [6,15,16,21,22]. In order to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines, exhaust emission limits were introduced.…”

Selection of energy storage systems for a special purpose rail vehicle based on simulation analysis

“…This cost-to-value equation has changed with the increasing pressure to decarbonize the industry, however [2]. As a result, new solutions are needed to fulfill the role of the aging and replaceable conventional rail vehicles, especially given the increased focus on limiting the exhaust emissions and fuel consumption of rolling stock [6,12,14,20].…”