Energy and wear optimisation of train longitudinal dynamics and of traction and braking systems

Abstract

Traction and braking systems deeply affect longitudinal train dynamics, especially when an extensive blending phase among different pneumatic, electric and magnetic devices is required. The energy and wear optimisation of longitudinal vehicle dynamics has a crucial economic impact and involves several engineering problems such as wear of braking friction components, energy efficiency, thermal load on components, level of safety under degraded or adhesion conditions (often constrained by the current regulation in force on signalling or other safety-related subsystem). In fact, the application of energy storage systems can lead to an efficiency improvement of at least 10% while, as regards the wear reduction, the improvement due to distributed traction systems and to optimised traction devices can be quantified in about 50%. In this work, an innovative integrated procedure is proposed by the authors to optimise longitudinal train dynamics and traction and braking manoeuvres in terms of both energy and wear. The new approach has been applied to existing test cases and validated with experimental data provided by Breda and, for some components and their homologation process, the results of experimental activities derive from cooperation performed with relevant industrial partners such as Trenitalia and Italcertifer. In particular, simulation results are referred to the simulation tests performed on a high-speed train (Ansaldo Breda Emu V250) and on a tram (Ansaldo Breda Sirio Tram). The proposed approach is based on a modular simulation platform in which the sub-models corresponding to different subsystems can be easily customised, depending on the considered application, on the availability of technical data and on the homologation process of different components.

Model-Based Assessment of Longitudinal Dynamic Performance and Energy Consumption of Heavy Haul Train on Long-Steep Downgrades

“…The paper by Sun et al (2014) studied the energy used by heavy haul trains and the amount of energy that can be generated from dynamic braking of these trains using the CRE-LTS software package. Conti et al (2015) proposed an innovative integrated procedure in the Matlab Simulink environment to optimise LTDs and traction and braking manoeuvres in terms of both energy and wear. The paper by Lebedevas et al (2017) proposed the experimental and mathematical modelling increase the energy efficiency and reduce fuel consumption from diesel engines of locomotives via the main lines of the Lithuanian railway network.…”

Development of a Cooperative Braking System for Front-Wheel Drive Electric Vehicles

“…This process is typically called "blending" and a system that can do "blending" is usually called "a cooperative braking system". This kind of system is commonly used in railway applications [2,3], but it is not very common in electric cars.…”

Design of a hydraulic servo-actuation fed by a regenerative braking system

“…Also Authors have some previous experience in the development of a full electric vehicle with four in-wheel drive motor [3] and more generally on energy recovery during the braking applied to railway systems [4,5].…”