The NS 999 is an all-electric, plug-in locomotive that reaches 1,500-horsepower and can recharge its batteries while braking. (Courtesy Norfolk Southern)
Norfolk Southern Corp. recently unveiled a prototype of a 1,500-horsepower switching locomotive that relies exclusively on rechargeable batteries for power.
Dubbed the NS 999, the all-electric, plug-in locomotive uses a lead-acid energy storage system made up of 12-volt batteries – 1,080 of them. The locomotive is able to recharge its batteries while braking.
Because there is no diesel engine, there are zero exhaust emissions.
“We strongly subscribe to the view that sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint are solid business objectives that also provide enormous benefits to the communities we serve,” said Wick Moorman, Norfolk Southern’s CEO. “By utilizing regenerated kinetic energy of the train and with no diesel exhaust emissions, NS 999 achieves those goals.”
“Today, the transportation sector currently accounts for just under a third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, more than half of nitrogen oxide emissions, and almost three-quarters of our petroleum consumption,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, as cited in a Norfolk Southern statement. “We need to change that. By working together to develop alternative energy sources and innovative technologies like this electric locomotive, we will make transportation more sustainable and energy-efficient.”
The batteries in the prototype locomotive are monitored and controlled through an elaborate battery-management system to ensure safety and maximum battery life, Norfolk Southern said. When fully charged, it can go three shifts before recharging is needed.
From an article by Robert McCabe of The Virginian-Pilot.