Cab Air Conditioning Retrofit for Grindrod GS7 Shunting Locomotive

DC Airco supplied its DC9336 split air conditioning system (74 Vdc) for installation in a Grindrod GS7 shunting locomotive, enhancing cab comfort and operational reliability in demanding industrial rail environments. Grindrod GS7 locomotives are widely used for yard, terminal, and mining operations, where locomotives operate at low speeds, high duty cycles, and frequently in high ambient temperatures. Under these conditions, effective cab climate control is essential to support operator comfort, concentration, and safe operation.

The DC9336 system is a fully dc powered split air conditioning solution designed for rolling stock retrofit applications. The floor mounted evaporator is installed inside the driver’s cab, while the under mounted condenser is connected via refrigerant hoses and electrical cabling. The system uses self sealing quick connectors, allowing installation and service without refrigerant loss and minimizing vehicle downtime.

Providing up to 3,8–3,9 kW of cooling capacity, the DC9336 delivers high efficiency cooling with low electrical load and reliable performance at ambient temperatures up to 45 °C. An integrated PLC based control system with diagnostic functionality supports system monitoring, fault detection, and straightforward maintenance. Modbus RS 485 communication enables flexible control and integration where required.

Designed specifically for 74 Vdc locomotive power systems, the DC9336 offers a compact and robust solution suitable for new builds and legacy shunting locomotives. Its durable construction and retrofit friendly layout make it well suited for heavy industrial rail operations. This project demonstrates DC Airco’s capability to deliver reliable, energy efficient HVAC solutions tailored to Grindrod GS7 locomotives, improving working conditions while supporting continuous operation in harsh environments.