Aerodynamic Improvements and Associated Energy Demand Reduction of Trains

Abstract

The importance for developing energy efficient rail vehicles is increasing with rising energy prices and the vital necessity to reduce the CO₂production to slow down the climate change. This study shows a comparison of different train types like regional and high-speed trains and provides estimation for improvements of the aerodynamic drag coefficient. Out of this estimation an assessment ofthe associated energy reduction is shown taking into account typical operational cycles with acceleration, constant speed and deceleration phases. Traditionally, aerodynamic improvements of high-speed trains were in the focus of the engineering community as the resistance to motion is increasing with the square of the velocity. However, this study reveals that it is necessary to consider regional and commuter applications equally. This transport sector is not only the one with the highest share in the market but exhibits also much higher potential for aerodynamic improvements then present day already optimized high-speed trains.