Optimising the energy efficiency of rail vehicles by a novel application of integrated active control method for vehicle traction and steering systems

Energy consumption for passenger and freight transport has increased in line with the rise in transport demand experienced over the last few decades, putting heavy pressure on fossil fuel resources as well as increasing emissions of greenhouse gases. Recent research results show that about 20 % of the power loss in electrical locomotive is due to traction motors.
The poster describes a novel application of the integrated active control method for vehicle traction and steering systems where the creep forces within wheel-rail interface and motor current are significantly reduced so the performance and energy efficiency of electric motors is optimised.
This novel approach represents an important contribution to the development of intelligent energy management systems for rolling stock that will help attain high energy efficiency of variable speed drives by interacting dynamically with motor loads and available power sources.