Exploring the Effect of Inter-Stop Transport Distances on Traction Energy Cost Intensities of Freight Trains

Abstract

With a computer-aided simulation approach, this research analyzes the change of the traction energy cost intensity of a typically formed Chinese freight train hauled by representative locomotives for different target speeds. It is found that the inter-stop transport distance of a freight train should be longer than 20.00 km to decrease the traction energy cost per unit transport. Moreover, the railway freight transport work should organize heavy load trains hauled by respectively various locomotives with different traction performances which are suitable for different target speeds in view of different inter-stop transport distances.