Contributions of vehicle dynamics to the energy efficient operation of road and rail vehicles

Abstract

This review addresses efforts made within the field of vehicle dynamics to contribute to the energy efficient operation of road and rail vehicles. Selected investigations of the research community to develop technology solutions to reduce energy consumption are presented. The study explores the impact and potential of relatively mature technologies such as regenerative braking, but also recent research directions that are seeking to develop solutions such as regenerative suspensions, a concept common to both transport modes. Specifically for road vehicles, the study includes rear wheel steering, camber control and torque vectoring, and for rail vehicles active steering and light-weighting. Operationally, there would appear to be great potential for rail vehicles in the wider adoption of connected driver advisory systems, and automatic train control systems, including the application of machine learning techniques to optimise train speed trajectories across a route. Similarly, for road vehicles, predictive and cooperative eco-driving strategies show potential for significant energy savings for connected autonomous vehicles.