Eurotunnel Locomotive Cab HVAC Upgrade

A Eurotunnel service locomotive used for infrastructure maintenance and operational support within the Channel Tunnel has been equipped with a DC13016 rooftop air conditioning system, improving cab comfort and reliability in one of the world’s most demanding rail environments.

Operating underground places exceptional requirements on rolling stock and onboard systems. High ambient temperatures, limited airflow, continuous duty cycles, and strict safety regulations require HVAC equipment that performs reliably under all conditions. The DC13016 system was selected to meet these challenges while ensuring stable climate control for the operator.

The 24 VDC rooftop unit DC13016 provides up to 3.9 kW of cooling capacity and is designed for high ambient operation exceeding 50 °C. Its compact configuration allows installation on work and service locomotives with minimal modification, making it well suited for retrofit and life extension programs.

Designed specifically for railway applications, the system features a robust steel housing, an integrated PLC based controller with diagnostic display, and low noise levels inside and outside the cab. The unit is compliant with EN 45545 2 Hazard Level 3 (HL3) fire safety requirements, aligning with the stringent safety standards applied to rolling stock operating in tunnel environments.

This application demonstrates DC Airco’s ability to deliver reliable, energy efficient cab air conditioning solutions for mission critical railway vehicles operating in confined, high risk locations such as the Channel Tunnel.