Siemens Charger

Siemens Charger
File:Artistic rendering of Siemens Charger locomotives.jpg Artist's rendering of Siemens Charger locomotives
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Siemens Mobility Order number 42 (235) Build date 2015-
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC Bo′Bo′ Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Trucks Siemens model SF4 Wheel diameter 44 in (1,118 mm) Minimum curve 250 ft 0 in (76.20 m) Wheelbase 32 ft 6 in (9.91 m) (between truck centers) Length 71 ft 6 in (21.79 m) Width 10 ft 0 in (3.05 m) Height 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m) Axle load 67,500 lb (30,617 kg) Adhesive weight 100% Loco weight 264,556 lb (120,001 kilograms) Fuel type Diesel Fuel capacity 1,800 US gal (6,800 L; 1,500 imp gal) (Standard) Larger tanks available up to 2,200 US gal (8,300 L; 1,800 imp gal) Prime mover Cummins QSK95 RPM range 600-1800 Engine type 45° V16, four stroke cycle Aspiration Turbocharged Displacement 95 liters (5,800 cu in) Traction motors Siemens AC Traction Motors Cylinders 16 Cylinder size 5.9375 liters (362.33 cu in) Transmission AC-DC-AC MU working Yes Train heating Locomotive-supplied head-end power; 1,000 kW (1,300 hp) 3-phase, 60 Hz, 480 VAC, 1000 kVA Loco brake Dynamic / Regenerative / Electropneumatic Train brakes Electropneumatic Safety systems FRA standards ACSES II
Performance figures Maximum speed 125 mph (201 km/h) Power output At alternator: 4,400 hp (3,300 kW) Short-Time 4,200 hp (3,100 kW) Continuous At wheel (HEP dependent): ~4,000 hp (3,000 kW) to ~2,900 hp (2,200 kW) Tractive effort Starting: 290 kN (65,000 lbf) Factor of adh. 4.07 (24.57%)
Career Operators Amtrak, All Aboard Florida, MARC Official name Charger
Data refers to the following except where noted:

The Siemens Charger is a diesel-electric locomotive designed by Siemens Mobility, intended to serve the North American diesel locomotive market.

Design

The Charger is powered by a 4,400 hp (3,300 kW) Cummins 16 cylinder QSK95 4-stroke high speed diesel engine, which is designed to meet EPA Tier IV emissions standards that take effect in 2015. Top speed in service as per PRIIA specifications is 125 mph (201 km/h). The overall design and layout of the locomotive is shared heavily with its electric counterparts in Europe (the Vectron) and the United States (the ACS-64), diesel equipment aside. Power to the AC traction motors is delivered from the main alternator via four IGBT inverters (one per motor), with head-end power being supplied by a static inverter off of the main prime mover. The locomotive also features dynamic braking with regenerative capability, allowing the locomotive to divert power generated by dynamic braking away from the resistor grids to HEP and on board locomotive auxiliary power demands.

Customers

Illinois DOT

The Illinois Department of Transportation, in conjunction with its counterparts in California, Michigan, Missouri and Washington, purchased 32 locomotives for corridor service operated by Amtrak. Included in the $225 million are options for an additional 75 corridor-configured locomotives and 150 locomotives configured for long distance service, with the long distance locomotive being fitted with a larger 2,200 US gallons (8,300 L; 1,800 imp gal) fuel tank as opposed to the 1,800 US gallons (6,800 L; 1,500 imp gal) tank on the corridor locomotive.

All Aboard Florida

All Aboard Florida purchased ten locomotives with options for an additional ten. The locomotives will be used in pairs, bookending four passenger cars (expandable to seven) on a new rail system between Miami and Orlando.

MARC

MARC announced in August 2015 that it is seeking $58 million to purchase eight locomotives to replace their aging electric fleet, with deliveries planned for late 2017. The purchase was approved by the Board of Public Works on September 16, 2015.