Altoona Works BP4

Altoona Works BP4
Norfolk Southern #999, the lone BP4 yet built, in May 2017
Type and origin
Power type Battery-electric
Builder Altoona Works
Specifications
Configuration:
 ​
 • AAR B-B
Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Performance figures
Power output 1,500 hp (1,120 kW)[1]

The Altoona Works BP4 is a 1,500 hp (1,120 kW) B-B battery-electric locomotive rebuilt by the Altoona Works of the Norfolk Southern Railway. It is the result of a conversion of an existing EMD GP38, where the existing diesel prime mover was replaced with a set of 1,080 12-volt lead-acid batteries and associated control equipment. Only one BP4 was constructed: Norfolk Southern #999, converted from GP38 #2911 (former Conrail #7732) in 2007.[2]

Design

NS #999 was rebuilt from a conventional GP38 diesel locomotive (example pictured)

Despite appearing somewhat similar to a conventional diesel electric locomotive, the BP4 has no diesel engine; battery charging is provided by plugging in an external power source. Battery life is extended by the use of regenerative braking, which returns about 35% of braking power to the batteries. The BP4 is designed to operate 3 shifts on a single battery charge.[1] This conversion significantly alters the external appearance of the locomotive, with the cab (which is actually brand new) being moved forward on the frame to make room for a large louvered battery box, which takes the place of the locomotive's long hood. The fuel tank is similarly replaced with another battery box.

BP4 development was undertaken by Norfolk Southern, along with Brookville Equipment, Penn State University, the United States Department of Energy, and the Federal Railroad Administration. $1.3 million in federal funding subsidized the program.[3] The locomotive was initially converted in 2007; after initial battery issues, a better battery management system was installed in 2009.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 "NS 999: Horse of a different color" (PDF). BizNS. Norfolk Southern. November–December 2009. pp. 7–9.
  2. ↑ "A Battery-Powered Alternative". Norfolk Southern.
  3. ↑ "Batteries ARE included: Norfolk Southern unveils experimental electric locomotive" (Press release). Norfolk Southern. September 28, 2009.
  4. ↑ Barbee, Gibson (June 22, 2015). "NS 999 Electric / Hybrid Locomotive Research" (PDF). Appalachian State University.
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