Cummins Launches QSK95 High-Speed Diesel with More Than 4,000 HP for Locomotives

Enhancing Locomotive Performance

Cummins next-generation Modular Common-Rail System (MCRS) enables the QSK95 to achieve high fuel-efficiency, even when operating at maximum-power output for long periods. With up to 2200-bar high-pressure fuel injection, MCRS reduces noise, offers smooth idle stability and eliminates visible smoke across the entire operating range.

Cummins new NanoNet^TM fuel filtration gives superior fuel cleanliness and enhances the durability of the MCRS system. This provides an advantage for the QSK95 engine to power locomotives anywhere in the world with varying fuel quality.

A quad-turbocharging system, with one turbo for each 4-cylinder quadrant, provides outstanding responsiveness with the simplicity of a single-stage air handling system. For the locomotive, this traction power is delivered more rapidly across the entire rpm range to increase acceleration and reduce journey times.

When running at high engine-load factors, the QSK95 will power the locomotive with relaxed ease, operating well within its design capability. High power density is achieved with a hardened power cylinder featuring the strongest, single-piece forged-steel piston available in the industry.

Deep structural strength is provided by an all-new ductile iron skirted block. This increased strength contributes to higher engine uptime availability and the ability to achieve 1.7 million gallons and above of fuel consumed before overhaul, with the significant advantage of no midlife intervention required.

SCR Clean Exhaust Aftertreatment

Cummins locomotive engines will utilize a proven SCR aftertreatment system to meet EPA Tier 4 ultra-low emissions standards for locomotive engines in North America, as well as Stage IIIB limits currently in effect in Europe. The Cummins SCR system is purpose-designed as a highly flexible installation package intended to replace the exhaust muffler.

Depending on the application, the Cummins SCR system is capable of achieving incremental fuel savings of 5 percent to 10 percent, together with a corresponding reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. The fuel savings will reduce the cost of operation by more than the cost of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) required for the functioning of the SCR system.

By using Cummins SCR aftertreatment solution, the QSK95 and other large Cummins locomotive engines avoid the need for an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system on the engine to reduce Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) emissions. This EGR-free approach avoids the inherent complexity of applying it to high-output engines and means that no compromise is made to serviceability. Without EGR, no additional heat rejection is generated by the engine for the locomotive cooling system to manage – avoiding both an installation cost and space impact.

The Cummins SCR system is designed with rugged durability to withstand the toughest operational duty cycles, able to provide life-to-overhaul equal to that of the QSK95 locomotive engine. Cummins experience with SCR technology is unmatched in the engine industry, with almost 250,000 engines supplied with an integrated SCR system.

Increased Uptime And Serviceability

The QSK95 locomotive engine has been designed with more inherent reliability to ensure the highest possible uptime availability. The engine is configured to provide faster and easier servicing procedures, with simple access to all cooling, oil and fuel system maintenance points on the engine. This engine-integrated design provides a useful installation benefit compared with medium-speed engines with off-engine systems and filters typically taking up increasingly limited space in the locomotive engine room.