A First of a Kind 2022 (FOAK) Department for Transport funded project to reduce NOx emissions in enclosed stations has delivered positive results during its first phase, delivering a circa 80% reduction in NOx emissions when an engine is idling.
The feasibility project, led by Porterbrook and Eminox, built on a previous FOAK funded project in which the companies developed an exhaust after-treatment system (EATS) which significantly reduces harmful emissions from mid-life diesel trains.
However, testing showed that while the EATS system was highly effective when the train was moving and the exhaust gasses were at an optimal temperature, its impact reduced when the train was static and the exhaust gas temperature dropped.
The latest Emission Reduction in Closed Stations (ERiCS) project sought to address this through the introduction of an electrical heater to the Diesel Oxidisation Catalyst in the EATS, and explore the feasibility of installing the solution on Class 158, 159 and 170 units.
Porterbrook and Eminox commenced the development and bench testing of the solution in October 2022, following confirmation that FOAK funding had been awarded. The results from the test rig and vehicle surveys undertaken by Pendyne demonstrate that ERiCS can feasibly be fitted to the trains and can significantly enhance the performance of the EATS by potentially achieving up to 80% conversion of NOx whilst the engine is idling.
FOAK 2022 is funded by the Department for Transport and managed by Innovate UK. Winners receive funding to help develop novel technology which improves rail services and lowers carbon emissions on trains.
