Although Railpower is not the only company offering this technology, TSI was confident that the hybrid power plants that it was supplying could be retro-fitted and were technically compatible with TSI’s existing systems.A prototype was installed in mid-May this year, with commissioning and testing taking approximately two weeks. Production trials commenced June 1. “We have logged fuel savings in excess of 70% under heavy duty cycle loading; lighter duty cycles will yield even greater savings, possibly 80% or more,”reports Ms Janson.

The eventual hybrid power plants will be virtually analogous to the existing diesel generator they are replacing. However, the new power plant uses inverters to generate the AC voltage for control electronics, hotel loads and small hydraulic motors,which does require some installation rewiring.

Should vigorous testing result in significant emissions and fuel savings, TSI may well decide that the advantages of switching over all its RTGs to this new system can be justified. However, the operator wants to achieve a balance between financial, economic, community and environmental goals, too. Significantly, a return on investment of between 1.5 and 3.5 years looks to be achievable, depending on the size and type of RTG being converted.