Simple Diesel Train Fuel Consumption Model for Real-Time Train Applications

Abstract

This paper introduces a simple diesel train energy consumption model that calculates the instantaneous energy consumption using vehicle operational input variables, including the instantaneous speed, acceleration, and roadway grade, which can be easily obtained from global positioning system (GPS) loggers. The model was tested against real-world data and produced an error of −1.33% for all data and errors ranging from −12.4% to +8.0% for energy consumption of four train datasets amounting to a total of 5854 km trips. The study also validated the proposed model with separate data that were collected between Valencia and Cuenca, Spain, which had a total length of 198 km and found that the model was accurate, yielding a relative error of −1.55% for the total energy consumption. These results show that the proposed model can be used by train operators, transportation planners, policy makers, and environmental engineers to evaluate the energy consumption effects of train operational projects and train simulation within intermodal transportation planning tools.

An Analysis of Energy Consumption in Railway Signal Boxes

“…In [13], an energy, exergy, and environmental analysis was conducted in the context of freight trains operated by diesel and electric locomotives, revealing that the carbon emissions of electric trains per unit of useful energy are relatively high due to energy generation. In [14], a model of energy consumption was presented, which allows energy consumption in operational train projects and train simulations within intermodal transportation planning tools. Comprehensive research is also being conducted on the definition and measurement of energy efficiency in the railway sector.…”