The Ekyrail Hybrid Starting System is designed to improve locomotive reliability by combining the advantages of both air start and electrical start systems. In normal operation, the system prioritizes air starting, which is ideal for repetitive start cycles driven by AESS systems.
If the air start system fails or the starting air reservoir pressure drops below operating levels, the system automatically switches to electrical starting as a backup, ensuring the locomotive can still start without operator intervention. Once normal air pressure is restored, the system returns to air start as the primary method.
The system includes intelligent control features such as current monitoring, start time limits, and cooldown protection to prevent damage to starter motors. Designed as an add-on solution, it provides a reliable safeguard against no-start situations while minimizing wear on electrical components.