Dual-mode locomotive for hauling freight

• Sturdy, mid-cab construction, excellent shunting locomotive qualities and a wide range of operational applications.
• Optimized vehicle design that takes into account the full range of customer requirements.
• Power at the wheel increases for line use by up to 2,500KW – in 15/25 kV E-Mode approx. 50% more output than a DE 18.
• Simple and flexible integration of current and future energy storage and electricity generation technologies (also hydrogen-based systems).
• The EDD and EBB variants (draw power from the overhead catenary system) have considerable potential for savings in maintenance and energy costs.
• High level of reliability through the use of high-quality components.
• High availability thanks to a redundant drive configuration and two drive systems.
• Remote Cloud access to data and the locomotive’s condition enables its deployments to be precision-planned (an advantage when refueling or when replacing parts subject to regular wear and tear).
• Design and safety aspects structured according to the CSM and EN 50126 V-Model process.
• TSI approval allows the locomotive to be used in many European countries.

The first variants are the Modula-EBB, Modula-EDD and Modula-BDD. The bogies, locomotive frame, driver’s cab, pneumatics, air-conditioning and inverter are all identical and constitute the basic configuration. And each Modula variant is powerful with a high starting tractive effort.

The Modula offers a lot more in Dual-Mode operation compared to the DE 18. A freight train can be picked up in an area with no catenary and transported to its destination (2 power sources per variant provides more flexibility and makes best use of the line infrastructure available). Consequently, an additional locomotive for hauling without catenary is not required (except the BDD). The EDD or the EBB, however, can use inexpensive, carbon-neutral electricity as soon as catenary becomes available. The Modula’s power at the wheel can be increased by 50 % in comparison to the DE 18. The Modula stands for higher output during line operation, more flexibility and more energy-saving options.

The Modula also provides good visibility, excellent shunting performance, lower sustained speeds and unlimited continuous tractive effort.

The control system in the Modula is designed with the future in mind; it can be upgraded with new functionality even years after delivery. It can also be equipped with a digital automatic coupling, a camera to identify obstacles or Augmented Reality applications for servicing. And if the locomotive’s intended use changes in the future, modifications can also be carried out accordingly.

Energy can be recovered during dynamic braking (recuperation) either in the battery or in the catenary with the EDD and EBB variants.

In order to select the optimum Modula variant, Vossloh Rolling Stock configures a simulation that is based on the timetable, train weight and future route characteristics and analyzes energy use, costs and operating range.

There’s a focus on maintenance with the Modula platform because an electric locomotive also has to operate reliably. Consequently, every Modula variant is designed for easy maintenance. The continuous analysis of sensor data allows maintenance work to be predicted and planned better, which means that downtime can be reduced considerably. What’s more, the modular system also allows the user to completely remove a diesel engine or battery unit, replace it with one that has already been serviced and go straight back into operation. This opens up completely new possibilities in the area of maintenance and service.