Research on energy efficient of rolling-stock operation

Abstract

This paper describes an analytical process that estimates the optimal operating of locomotive to minimise the energy consumption. Permanently rising energy prices and environmental concerns have made energy saving a high priority for transportation operators. The energy consumption is the determinant factor of rolling-stock operation total cost. Energy economy is one of the effective ways to reduce rolling-stock operating expenses. From a theoretical point of view, the problem of locomotive control’s energy efficient was formulated as one of the functions. Thereby, the principal simulation model of rolling-stock operations and tractive effort systems was suggested. The analytical solution gives the succession of optimal controls and equations to find the locomotive’s control change points. Most of the input data, such as track plan and profile, locomotive traction and braking characteristics, train speed limits and required trip time are estimated. As a result, a calculation algorithm for energy efficient locomotive control for an entire route or line has been developed.