RAILROADS AND THE ENVIRONMENT: ESTIMATION OF FUEL CONSUMPTION IN RAIL TRANSPORTATION. VOLUME I. ANALYTICAL MODEL

The report describes an analytical approach to estimation of fuel consumption in rail transportation, and provides sample computer calculations suggesting the sensitivity of fuel usage to various parameters. The model used is based upon careful delineation of the relevant physical machanisms of energy dissipation under steady-state conditions-rolling and aerodynamic resistance (using the Davis equations), braking, idling, and locomotive power generation and conversion losses. Both simple and more complex formulations are applied as appropriate. Several classes of service are considered: branch line freight, intercity freight, conventional and high-speed passenger, and commuter. Numerous graphs illustrate typical results for specific fuel consumption as a function of speed, grade, power/weight, load factor, weight per seat, etc.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Systems Center

  55 Broadway, Kendall Square
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142

  Federal Railroad Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Hopkins, J B
• Publication Date: 1975-5

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 84 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bearings; Braking; Braking performance; Commuter service; Computer programs; Diesel engines; Drag; Energy consumption; Equations; Freight transportation; Fuel consumption; High speed rail; Locomotive operations; Mathematical models; Passenger transportation; Railroad transportation; Rapid transit; Rolling resistance; Train operations
• Old TRIS Terms: Cargo transportation; Energy requirements; Grade operations; Rapid transit railways; Train performance
• Subject Areas: Energy; Freight Transportation; Passenger Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00092310
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-TSC-FRA-75-16-I Final Rpt., FRA/ORD-75/74.I
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Nov 5 1976 12:00AM