Abstract
The introduction of networked control systems within modern trains, mean that complex information may be passed between different sub-systems in different carriages. The operation of the brake and traction systems may be optimized to substantially improve the performance of the total vehicle system from a operating and a maintenance perspective. The intelligent sub-systems can be used in a coordinated fashion. Multiple unit systems can be more robust to failure (such as the loss of one bogie) and the braking forces can be more efficiently redistributed along the whole train length should such a failure occur. For heavy haul freight significant energy savings and fleet usage improvements can be demonstrated.
