State-of-the-art telemetry will be fitted to the trial Class 159 train to provide real-time diagnostics and performance data from the system. Rail-specific challenges, such as high-exhaust-temperature duty cycles, will be addressed as part of the project, utilising advanced catalyst technology in the first on-rail application.
Eminox states that the catalyst-based system can reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by over 80%, particulate matter (PM) by over 90%, and both carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons by over 90%.
If the trial proves successful, the innovation is likely to be deployed on a number of existing fleets across Britain’s railways, according to Eminox.
Neil Drury, engineering director for South Western Railway, said: “SWR is very pleased to be involved in this project. Environmental sustainability is a key element of our Sustainable Development Strategy. SWR has committed to a 56% reduction in traction carbon emissions by 2023/24, and it is hoped that this type of technology could help make a major contribution to achieving that target.”
The partnership is being supported by the Department for Transport, delivered through InnovateUK’s First of a Kind (FoaK 2) funding, as part of the Department for Transport’s Accelerating Innovation in Rail scheme.