What Will Be The Power Unit In LNER's New CAF Tri-Mode Trains

AnonW

Jan 1

There is a short article in the January 2024 Edition of Modern Railways, that is entitled New LNER Fleet To Have Joint Line Capability.

This is said about the diesel engines in the new CAF tri-mode trains.

CAF will supply 10x10-car trains with overhead electric, battery and diesel capability, financed by Porterbrook. The inclusion of diesel engines as part of the winning bid, rather than a straightforward battery-electric unit, has surprised some observers, but LNER's specification was that the fleet should have sufficient self-powered capability to cover the length of the joint line, which is approximately 90 miles. This is currently to be considered to be beyond the scope of battery-power alone, although as the technology evolves diesel engines could be replaced by batteries. The configuration of diesel engines and batteries within the sets has yet to be decided.

As the paragraph says that the diesel engines can be replaced by batteries and the trains are from CAF's modular Civity family, it sounds like CAF are using a modular power system.

The CAF Class 195, 196 and 197 diesel multiple units, that are used in the UK, use mtu Railcar Power Packs, which are shown on this web page.

mtu are a Rolls-Royce subsidiary.

mtu also make a Hybrid Power Pack, which is shown on this web page.

This is the sub-title on the web page.

Individual hybrid drive with a modular design

Underneath is this sub-heading.

It takes revolutionary thinking to develop a smart rail drive system like the Hybrid PowerPack. Find out what makes mtu different, and why our Hybrid PowerPack brings added value to operators while benefiting passengers and the environment alike.

These paragraphs describe the mtu Hybrid PowerPack.

The Hybrid PowerPack was developed from the successful mtu underfloor drives: Tried and tested mtu PowerPacks were modified and equipped with additional components and functionalities in order to integrate hybrid technology. The mtu hybrid concept consists of a modular kit with a variety of drive elements. It satisfies all existing railway standards and can be arranged according to customer specifications.

Thanks to its compact design and the use of power-dense electrical machines, the Hybrid PowerPack can be easily integrated in the existing installation space under the floor, both in new rail vehicles or for repowering. mtu EnergyPacks – the energy storage – can be positioned at various places in the vehicle: on the roof or underfloor. The modular design creates great flexibility for operators who are planning new diesel hybrid vehicles or want to convert existing vehicles.

Based on specifications for the hybrid train and the profile of the planned routes, mtu can simulate the lifecycle costs (capital, maintenance and operating costs) of specific projects. This means that a variety of drive options can be defined even before the design stage. Together with you, we then determine an optimal concept based on your needs.

Note.

mtu Hybrid PowerPacks can be used in new rail vehicles or for repowering.
It looks to me, that the total of 161 of Class 195, 196 and 197 trains, that will soon be all in service in the UK may well have been designed to be converted to hybrid power using mtu Hybrid PowerPacks.
In Would You Buy A Battery Energy Storage System From Rolls-Royce?, I talk about how mtu EnergyPacks are also used for battery storage.
In fact, mtu EnergyPacks could be the secret ingredient to both systems.

This looks like a typical Rolls-Royce product, that pushes the design to the full.

I will be very surprised if LNER's new CAF tri-mode trains are not powered by mtu Hybrid PowerPacks.

I have a few thoughts.

CAF Are Going For A Proven Solution

CAF are going for a proven power solution, that they will also need for 161 trains in the UK.

Integration of systems like these can be difficult but CAF are using another company to combine diesel, electric and battery power in an efficient way.

I also feel that mtu Hybrid PowerPacks have a big future and Rolls Royce mtu will do what it takes to make sure they dominate the market.

Decarbonising The Trains

I suspect given Rolls-Royce's philosophy, that the diesel engines will run on sustainable fuels from delivery.

But as the extract from the Modern Railways article says, the space used by diesel engines can be used for batteries.

Follow The Money

Consider.

Porterbrook and Rolls-Royce are both based in Derby.
Porterbrook are a rolling stock leasing company, who own a lot of rolling stock, that could be converted to hybrid trains, using mtu Hybrid PowerPacks.
Porterbrook are financing LNER's new CAF tri-mode trains.

I wouldn't be surprised if Porterbrook and Rolls-Royce have done a lot of due diligence on these trains.

Other Train Operators Will Follow

LNER's new CAF tri-mode trains may be a bespoke design for LNER, but other train operators will need a similar train.