The Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC): An Effective Way to Sustainably Increase the Efficiency of Freight Transport in Europe

Abstract

This paper employs and improves TrainDy software to simulate the in-train forces of single and coupled freight trains with a Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC), having a length from 740 m to 1500 m and hauled mass between 1600 t and 8000 t. Software improvements have focused on the ability to natively simulate the electro-pneumatic (EP) brake, which will be a feature of the future DAC. The various types of DAC and their main features are outlined in the paper. The study shows that it is also possible to increase the trains hauled mass by using radio communication between traction units (TUs). The “relative approach” method is used to demonstrate the safety of these new trains. The paper’s main results are reported in the conclusions and demonstrate the effectiveness of both technologies in increasing freight transport efficiency, even when applied to coupled trains where one train is “classic” and the other is equipped with mechanical DAC.

Designing of Locomotive Speed Controller and Closed Loop Simulation for Train Driving Automation

“…Zira ülkemizdeki tren işletmeciliği, Avrupa ekseriyetinin aksine tıpkı Kuzey Amerika'daki gibi henüz katarın esas lokomotifinde iki adet makinist iktiza etmektedir [2]. Buna mukabil halihazırda tek makinist ile katar idaresi de yapılan Avrupa'da vidalı koşum takımının yerini alması için Dijital Otomatik Koşum Takımı (DAC) geliştirilmektedir [10]. Çoklu ünite setlerinde kullanılan Scharfenberg misali mekanik, pnömatik ve elektrik bağlantıları havi bu yeni koşum takımı vasıtasıyla, insana ihtiyacı artıran işler olan dizi muayenesi ve fren tecrübesinde de otomasyon tesis edilecektir [11].…”