Energy Consumption Estimation Method for Long-Distance Train

Abstract

To calculate carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission for studying CO₂ reduction in railway transportation towards net-zero carbon emissions, this study develops an energy consumption estimation method for long-distance train. To estimate losses such as running resistance loss, this method does not simulate the speed profile of the train but assumes that its running speed is constant at its average speed. A calculation method of energy losses caused by braking due to downhill and speed limits is developed to improve the accuracy of energy consumption estimation. Those braking energy losses are calculated systematically as mechanical energy by using track and timetable data. Measured energy consumption of freight trains and the results calculated by the method developed are compared. The calculated results differ from the measured results within an error of approximately 10%.