Power Drives, Inc. (PDI) is a Buffalo, N.Y.-based manufacturer and OEM supplier of locomotive idle reduction technology, fuel filtration systems, and water separation technology for locomotive compressed air systems.
PDI’s PowerHouse™ Idle Reduction Technology is available in two models: The APU and the 120. The APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) incorporates a Tier 4-compliant, 9.5 hp Kubota® engine that drives an alternator, providing power to the pumps and trickle charging the locomotive battery bank. It consumes, on average, 0.38 GPH (gallons per hour) of fuel once at temperature.
The 120 operates from a 120/240 VAC external power source. The 120 consumes, on average, 0.35 GPH of fuel once at temperature. Jonathan McCullough, Manager of Mechanical at TNW Corporation, says, “120 volts is a big advantage compared to [PDI’s] competitors. The electrical requirements are lower, allowing for more optimal locations to utilize the PowerHouse™ 120.”
Both compact units feature the PowerHouse™ Heat Exchanger, rated at 136,000 BTUs/hour (40kW). The heat exchanger provides rapid coolant heating, maintaining an engine coolant temperature of 100° F
“even in the coldest of temperatures.”
McCullough says, “Idling is extremely costly in the winter months. For EMD locomotives in particular, oil consumption through excessive idling is consequently another large expense to factor. The PowerHouse™ has greatly reduced our fuel and oil consumption while also reducing maintenance costs from lower operating hours. The TXR Railway is located right in town, so eliminating unnecessary idling helps reduce noise pollution for the local residence.
The PowerHouse™ also offers remote monitoring capabilities, which allows users to monitor operating parameters real-time remotely on smart devices or computers. McCullough also says, “The initial benefit is fuel savings. The oil savings, maintenance savings and remote monitoring are additional bonuses…The remote monitoring gives real-time alerts, keeping track of fuel savings, engine temperatures and much more. This gives piece of mind knowing our locomotives are being monitored around the clock. It’s basically set ‘em and forget ‘em. PDI is the only company we’ve found that offers this, and it’s one of the main reasons we decided on the PowerHouse™.”
The PDI water separation technology protects fleets against frozen compressed air lines by eliminating water from the lines.