Retrofit Window Air Conditioning Solution for SAR’s SD70ACS Heavy Haul Locomotives

DC Airco has introduced a retrofit window air conditioning solution engineered for SD70ACS heavy haul AC diesel electric locomotives operated by Saudi Railway Company (SAR). Purpose built for desert rail operations, the unit delivers 7 kW of cooling on a 74 Vdc supply and is rated for ambient temperatures up to 56 °C, helping ensure crew comfort and electronic system stability in extreme heat.

Retrofit, Window Mount Design for Fast Deployment
Designed as a window mounted, self contained monoblock, the solution minimizes installation time and structural modifications to existing cabs. The compact, sealed design integrates compressor, condenser, evaporator, and controls in a single enclosure—ideal for fleet retrofits and maintenance programs seeking plug and play integration with minimal downtime.

Built for Heavy Haul Duty in Harsh Conditions
Operating across Saudi Arabia’s high temperature corridors, SD70ACS locomotives face prolonged exposure to heat, dust, and vibration. DC Airco’s 74 Vdc platform aligns with locomotive dc architectures, eliminating external inverters and reducing conversion losses. Robust heat exchangers, optimized airflow, and high temperature components support continuous operation at up to 56 °C ambient, maintaining stable performance where conventional HVAC systems struggle.

Reliable Cooling and Operational Uptime
With 7 kW cooling capacity, the unit provides effective cab climate control and helps protect onboard electronics from thermal stress, supporting uptime during long-haul freight operations. The dc monoblock approach reduces potential leak points and simplifies servicing—key advantages for remote depots and tight turnaround schedules. Key Highlights

• Application: Retrofit window mounted AC for EMD SD70ACS heavy haul locomotives (SAR)
• Power: 74 Vdc direct operation (no inverter required)
• Cooling Capacity: 7 kW
• Ambient Rating: Up to 56 °C continuous operation
• Form Factor: Self contained monoblock, sealed, vibration resistant
• Deployment: Rapid retrofit, minimal cab modifications, reduced downtime
• Use Case: Extreme heat, desert dust, heavy haul duty cycles

Enabling Comfort and Resilience Across the Network
As SAR expands heavy haul services through high ambient corridors, reliable, dc powered HVAC becomes essential for crew comfort, safety, and locomotive availability.

DC Airco’s retrofit solution combines thermal performance, electrical compatibility, and field ready durability, making it a practical upgrade path for existing SD70ACS fleets operating in some of the world’s harshest rail environments.