A Concept for a Natural Gas Fueled Locomotive that Uses a Gas Turbine

A concept for a natural gas fueled locomotive that uses a gas turbine for Its prime mover is presented in this paper. Additionally, the paper compares several of the economic operating aspects of the proposed motive power concept with a modified conventional diesel electric locomotive for natural gas operation.

This proposed turbine powered concept is significantly different from conventional diesel driven motive power or Its natural gas derivative. In spite of this significant departure from the standard, there appears to be ample Information to support the proposed concept technical feasibility and commercial viability.

The advantage of the proposed locomotive concept over the modification of conventional motive power is that in addition to reduced energy cost and Independence from the “oil supply” the proposed gas turbine locomotive can offer improvement in productivity, availability and maintain ability. These three operating aspects appear to be as Important, as the original objective of fuel substitution.