Global market leader TSA supplies traction generators for Toshiba Shunting Locomotives

Innovative Toshiba HDB 800 Hybrid Shunting Locomotives equipped with TSA generators undergoing testing
The successful collaboration between Traktionssysteme Austria (TSA), the leading manufacturer of electromechanical drive systems for rolling stock and commercial road vehicles based in Lower Austria, and Toshiba Railway Europe GmbH is already yielding results. Two units of the innovative Toshiba HDB 800 hybrid shunting locomotive are currently undergoing test operations. As part of this project, TSA is supplying at least 106 custom-designed traction generators for these locomotives.

TSA was awarded its first contract for 22 TGE 64-28-6 traction generators in 2018. Currently, two prototype locomotives equipped with TSA products are in the commissioning phase of dynamic testing. At the end of 2024, TSA secured an additional order for 84 generators, which will be deployed in 42 shunting locomotives.

The Toshiba HDB 800 is an advanced hybrid diesel-battery shunting locomotive with a tractive effort of
300 kN and a nominal power output of 750 kW at the wheel-rail interface. Designed for use in shunting yards and short mainline sections, it operates at a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Thanks to its modular design, the locomotive enables simplified maintenance while offering high energy efficiency and emission-free operation. The serial hybrid system allows operation in the most energy-efficient mode, utilizing either one or both power generation modules or traction batteries. This significantly reduces emissions and conserves valuable resources.

DB Cargo AG plans to integrate a total of 100 locomotives, now designated as Class 1018, to enable resource-efficient operations at its shunting yards while enhancing service quality for its customers. The goal is to achieve at least a 30% annual energy savings and reduce diesel fuel consumption by at least one million liters per year.

‘This project allows us to once again demonstrate the versatility of our product portfolio. Our traction generators have been specifically tailored to the requirements of the Toshiba HDB 800 locomotives and meet all customer specifications. It is a great opportunity to drive innovation in the rail transport sector,’ says Benedikt Fux, Sales Manager in the RAIL business segment at TSA.

TSA generators: optimized design for sustainable shunting locomotives
TSA-developed generators stand out due to the following key performance features:

• Optimized bearing system: Designed to accommodate the multi-system concept (operation under overhead lines, battery mode, or diesel-electric mode) while preventing ‘false brinelling’ – a wear phenomenon caused by micro-oscillations in seemingly stationary rolling bearings.
• Specialized airflow management: Engineered to minimize back pressure and enhance efficiency.

One of the major challenges was obtaining approval from Deutsche Bahn (DB). Additionally, the generators had to meet the specific requirements of the hybrid drive system while ensuring seamless integration into the locomotive’s modular design.

A promising partnership
Toshiba Railway Europe GmbH, headquartered in Kiel and Düsseldorf, Germany, is part of the globally operating Toshiba Corporation. Established in 2018, the company focuses on supplying the European rail market with environmentally friendly and innovative technologies. Its product portfolio includes electrical components such as traction battery systems, modular hybrid shunting locomotives, and energy storage solutions for railway infrastructure.

Since the beginning of the collaboration in 2018, TSA has received orders for a total of 106 generators. This partnership underscores Toshiba’s trust in TSA’s expertise and quality while serving as another key reference for TSA’s involvement in Deutsche Bahn projects.