T536: Investigation into the use of sulphur-free diesel fuel on Britain’s railways

Topic

Energy

Description

This project investigated the impact of moving to the use of reduced sulphur diesel by performing trials on representative train fleets.

Abstract

To help reduce harmful emissions into the environment and comply with the European Directive on Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM), Britain’s diesel powered rail vehicles will need to switch to reduced sulphur diesel during the next five years. With any change of this magnitude, there is a significant risk to the reliability and performance of the diesel fleet. This could prove to be very costly for the industry if the fuel is not tested before widespread introduction. The aim of this project was to trial the use of Sulphur Free Diesel (SFD) in order to understand the advantages and disadvantages. The project conducted engine test bed trials on a representative sample of engines, followed by service trials on specific engines on trains in service. The results of this work have enabled the rail industry to assess the implications of the wider introduction of SFD fuel with increased confidence. The work also considered the future use of the diesel engine in rail traction over the next fifteen to thirty years, as far as this could be reasonably ascertained.