The Effect of Driving Strategy on Hybrid Regional Diesel Trains

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The Effect of Driving Strategy on Hybrid Regional Diesel Trains

Read, M G / Griffiths, C / Smith, R A

Vehicle braking in non-electrified rail systems wastes energy. This article considers two approaches to reducing braking losses in regional diesel trains: efficient driving strategies and regenerative braking. The interaction of these two approaches is critical in specifying the requirements of a hybrid train and assessing the relative fuel saving. Computational models of conventional and hybrid diesel-hydrodynamic regional trains have been developed using real route data to generate a simple control algorithm and investigate the effect of driving strategy on fuel consumption and journey time. The current modelling predicts fuel savings of up to 40 per cent for the hybrid train when an aggressive control strategy is used. This fuel saving is halved when an efficient driving strategy is employed, which also reduces the required energy storage capacity. The model provides a tool for identifying effective control strategies which should be implemented to reduce fuel consumption for both conventional and hybrid trains.