This project developed thermodynamic and economic computer models to assess technical and economic performance of a waste heat energy recovery and conversion technology as a retrofitting technology for commuter rail locomotive applications. 

Computer modeling was supported by baseline testing data that will be obtained from a locomotive operated at the Transportation Technology Center Inc. (TTCI), in Pueblo, Colorado. Computer model validation and optimization was also supported by data obtained by testing a simulated locomotive exhaust gas manifold simulator, and a small-scale diesel-electric locomotive analogue. The simulated exhaust gas manifold utilized exhaust gases by operating a modified oil-burner. The small-scale diesel-electric simulator was coupled to a resistive load banks to simulate different locomotive notch settings and commuter rail locomotive duty cycle. The project investigators worked with TTCI technical staff, to install sensors and operate a locomotive at TTCI to obtain locomotive baseline data.

The contractor's final report is available.