Ricardo heads R&D project into rail diesel power systems

Under the programme, both companies will concentrate on powertrain advancements to reduce lifetime rolling stock costs and operational energy consumption. The initial work will focus on the Cummins NT855 engine, which is used in many diesel multiple unit applications. Following this work, three routes will be selected for detailed evaluation of vehicle power systems. These routes will be chosen so as to provide a broad sample of operating conditions representative of UK train services for this class of vehicle, including both high speed and suburban sections. Ricardo's director of rail vehicle technology, Jim Buchanan, said: "Rolling stock operating cost is a crucial consideration for both train leasing and operating companies, not least due to the extended vehicle life expectations of the rail industry. "Mid-life upgrades offer the opportunity to explore measures to improve performance, reliability and the overall customer experience, and most crucially of all in a commercial railway environment, to optimise the underlying cost of operations for both vehicle owners and operators."