Rail Operations and Energy Management

Abstract

The chapter deals with different aspects of modern rail operations and traffic management in combination with energy consumption issues. In the first part of this discussion, a systematic approach on different influence levels of rail traffic management will be outlined and different kinds of tasks and conflicts are allocated to these influence levels. The approaches for conflict resolution are not in the focus of this chapter. Instead it is outlined that traffic management has its entirety as a comprehensive task. A traffic management cycle, developed and presented in the chapter is an overview intended at providing a common understanding. The second part of this discussion provides an overview on how changes in train driving and timetabling can affect energy consumption. It first analyses the potential changes to driver behaviour and their potential influence on energy consumption. Next, it focuses on how vehicles and fixed installations design can affect energy consumption and finally applies these principles to Mass Rapid Transit. The third part of this discussion looks at the aspect of influencing the driving behaviour. Driver Advisory Systems (DAS) can support drivers to ensure energy-efficient driving. A systematisation of DAS in three levels regarding the range of influance is given and explained. It is outlined that an efficient energy-saving measure can be integrated in early stages of the systematic approach of rail traffic management.