This paper focuses on the possibilities of using dual locomotives in freight rail transport. It presents different types of power supplies for these vehicles, their categories and shows the possibilities of use regarding operational efficiency and emission savings. On a practical example, it demonstrates the suitability of deploying dual locomotives for a wide range of operation, including considerable savings in traction energy costs. It also provides examples of real deployment of these machines, particularly in the Czech Republic and the Central European region in general. Finally, an assessment of the benefits of dual engines is presented and a recommendation for appropriate operational deployment is made.

The present article focuses on the efficient deployment of dual locomotives in regional rail freight transport considering the quantification of traction energy and energy savings. In the first part of the article, a categorization of dual locomotives, according to their power output in electric and alternative traction (and ratio of both power outputs) is proposed. The potential of deployment of chosen dual locomotives in Central European conditions (a sub-network of Czech railway network around mainlines electrified with AC) is verified by calculation of traction energy consumption of the model train (with two examples of dual locomotives). In addition to non-stop running through the entire line, traction energy consumption of stop (and following acceleration) in each intermediate station is calculated, for a particular direction. Then, appropriate freight train paths for passing passenger trains and saving of traction energy are proposed. The results are supplemented by sensitivity analysis in the form of calculation of traction energy consumption with variable numbers of loaded wagons, with the help of iPLAN/FBS timetabling software. The limitations are the maximum length or gross mass of the train. Finally, the conclusions obtained from the computational examples are evaluated and recommendations for appropriate deployment of dual locomotives and planning of targeted improvements of infrastructure are formulated.