Abstract
Rail transport, specifically diesel–electric trains, faces fundamental challenges in reducing fuel consumption to improve financial performance and reduce GHG emissions. One solution to improve energy efficiency is the electric brake regenerative technique. This technique was first applied on electric trains several years ago, but it is still considered to improve diesel–electric trains efficiency. Numerous parameters influence the detailed estimation of brake regenerative technique performance, which makes this process particularly difficult. This paper proposes a simplified energetic approach for a diesel–electric train with different storage systems to assess these performances. The feasibility and profitability of using a brake regenerative system depend on the quantity of energy that can be recuperated and stored during the train’s full and partial stop. Based on a simplified energetic calculation and cost estimation, we present a comprehensive and realistic calculation to evaluate ROI, net annual revenues, and GHG emission reduction. The feasibility of the solution is studied for different train journeys, and the most significant parameters affecting the impact of using this technique are identified. In addition, we study the influence of electric storage devices and low temperatures. The proposed method is validated using experimental results available in the literature showing that this technique resulted in annual energy savings of 3400 MWh for 34 trains, worth USD 425,000 in fuel savings.
Highlights
Rising energy costs have become a serious concern in our societies in general and in passenger rail systems
We propose in this paper a simplified method, programed in Excel, to assess the feasibility of implementing a regenerative braking system for a diesel–electric train
The energy saved per train per year during full brakes only and the energy saved per train per year based on the number of curves represent around 47% and 53% of the total energy saved per year/train
Summary
Rising energy costs have become a serious concern in our societies in general and in passenger rail systems . Improving energy efficiency is an important objective to alleviate this problem globally [1]. Union of Railways (UIC) and Canadian Electrical Raceways (CER) set a new plan targeting some goals to be achieved in 2030. Reduce the final energy consumed due to train operations by 30% compared to 1990 levels and reduce the average CO2 emissions resulting from train operations by 50% compared to 1990 levels. Railways’ energy efficiency improvement started in 2010, the achievements are still far from the 2030 plan. Until 2014, the energy consumption required to move a passenger for 1 km was reduced by 13%, while CO2 emissions were reduced by 20% [3]
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