Identification of Wind Loads Through Train Statistical Analysis

Abstract

AbstractThe article was written in order to substantiate the energy consumption rate for train traction and to determine how to reduce them. Wind load impacting train cars is one of the essential factors affecting energy consumption in traction. This is of particular relevance to the steppe regions where high speed winds prevail most of the year, which have a significant impact on an increase in fuel and energy consumption for train traction. The article analyzes the main factors affecting the consumption of fuel and electric power and the main methods of rationing fuel and energy resources. The study is based on Pallasovka-Verkhniy Baskunchak section of Privolzhskaya railway. Histograms of specific fuel consumption for trains with fixed minimum and maximum axle loads, based on the reported data of locomotive crews, were constructed and analyzed. Conclusions on the effect of wind loads on specific fuel consumption were drawn on the basis of the numerical characteristics of the obtained samples. Contributions of the wind loads to a significant increase in the specific fuel consumption has been proved in the article. Moreover, large consumption values were obtained for empty trains.KeywordsFuel and energy resourcesEnergy savingEnergy efficiencySpecific fuel consumptionWind loads