Engine off - efficiency on

OnEfficiency.StopStart

In principle, OnEfficiency.StopStart is compatible with all diesel locomotives that are already equipped with an electronic control system (e.g. KM-Direkt). Diesel-electric locomotives can also be equipped with the system.

No increased wear was observed either in the Voith test locomotive—which has been equipped with the stop-start system for over 10 years (standard starter, 1,000 kW motor power, 10BB locomotive)—or in any of our other projects with our customers.

Voith has been working closely with engine manufacturers on this question since the development phase of OnEfficiency.StopStart. We considered expert advice from Caterpillar/Zeppelin and MTU in the design and parameterization of the stop-start function. The result is a system that respects all the essential conditions specified by the manufacturers for the stop-start operation of modern diesel engines and prioritizes their protection:

• The engine is started and stopped only in the operating conditions approved by the engine manufacturer
• Engine-internal protective functions are not bypassed
• The load on the engine is kept low by only shutting it down after a long shutdown time is detected with the associated low starting frequency

If you would like individual clarification with your motor manufacturer, we will be happy to assist you.

Yes. We offer a standardized solution for G1000, G1206 and BR203.1 locomotives that can be implemented quickly and easily.

Installation of the standardized solutions for the G1000 and G1206 typically takes 2–3 days in the workshop. For the BR203.1, it takes approximately 4 days.
For other locomotive types, the time required must be estimated on a case-by-case basis.

No increased wear was found both in Voith’s test locomotive (standard starter, 1,000 kW engine output, 10BB locomotive), which has been equipped with the Stop-Start system for seven years, nor in the joint pilot projects with our customers.

OnEfficiency.StopStart is in use by many customers. For example, the system is successfully in use on locomotives operated by Rurtalbahn (G1206), ETF (G1206), Northrail (G1206), Rotterdam Rail Feeding (BR203.1), CFL Cargo (G1000), Alpha Trains (G1206), and many other customers.

In theory, a greater load on the battery system is possible; however, no such wear and tear has been observed in previous projects.
In addition, we offer a retrofit with UltraCaps, which enables the starting process to be powered entirely by capacitors and provides optimal protection for the vehicle’s electrical system against potential wear and tear.

The system is delivered with an expert opinion and is subject to notification. However, due to the special system architecture, there is no need for further certification.

Yes, OnEfficiency.StopStart also functions without restriction in radio remote control mode.

The components of the system are maintenance-free and durable. The exact service life depends on various environmental factors, but is at least 16 years.

During the development and design of the stop-start system, all relevant railway standards such as EN45545-2, EN50155 and EN50567 were taken into account.

No, OnEfficency.StopStart does not influence the safety deadman circuit.

No, this is not necessary. OnEfficiency.StopStart is designed in such a way that there is no need to interfere with the existing software architecture.

Yes, it is possible to manually enable or disable the runtime control system at the control panel. It can also be permanently disabled using the included counter-plug.

After checking various conditions, the OESS system is automatically activated and the system switches the locomotive’s diesel engine off and on again automatically.

We transfer the software for parameterization after commissioning, so that parameter adjustments by the vehicle keeper are possible at any time.

The system can be approved and displayed in all countries. Currently, OnEfficiency.StopStart is installed for customers in Germany, France, Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Since the stop-start system does not shut off the engine until after a waiting period of approximately 3 minutes, we recommend using it when the vehicle is expected to be stationary for at least 5–10 minutes. We have found that the times mentioned above yield the best results in terms of energy efficiency.

Continuous monitoring of all relevant systems ensures that they remain operational even while the engine is stopped. The locomotive can therefore be put back into service immediately after the engine is started (approx. 3–5 seconds).

An additional control cabinet, compressed air sensors, and illuminated pushbuttons are installed in the vehicle. However, no changes are made to the existing vehicle control system, and OnEfficiency.StopStart has no adverse effects on the existing vehicle system. The entire stop-start system can be easily reverted at any time. Optionally, the original configuration of the vehicle’s electrical system can be restored using a counter plug. The OnEfficiency.StopStart control cabinet is completely decoupled from the vehicle using the supplied counter plug, which may be necessary, for example, prior to approval of the modification notice.

The complete OnEfficiency.StopStart system does not require preventive maintenance. However, a daily visual inspection is recommended.