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   Virtually coupled trains  evaluated  
Based on the concept of self-propelled freight cars, a new method of train formation has been proposed: virtually coupled trains. The concept is based on the idea of using modern electronics and data transmission to run several self-propelled units one behind the other without physical contact but at distances as short as mechanically coupled cars.
Technology field: Aerodynamics and friction
close main section General information
  open sub-section Description
close main section General criteria
  open sub-section Status of development: research & experiments
  Time horizon for broad application: in > 10 years
  Expected technological development: highly dynamic
  Benefits (other than environmental): big
  Barriers: high
  Applicability for railway segments: high
    Type of traction:  electric - DC, electric - AC, diesel
    Type of transportation:  freight
    Grade of diffusion into railway markets:
  Diffusion into relevant segment of fleet: 0 %
  Share of newly purchased stock: 0 %
  Market potential (railways): highly uncertain
close main section Environmental criteria
  open sub-section Impacts on energy efficiency:
  Energy efficiency potential for single vehicle: (no data)
  Energy efficiency potential throughout fleet: (no data)
  Other environmental impacts: neutral
close main section Economic criteria
  open sub-section Vehicle - fix costs: medium
  Vehicle - running costs: (no data)
  Infrastructure - fix costs: (no data)
  Infrastructure - running costs: (no data)
  Scale effects: (no data)
  Amortisation: (no data)
no data available Application outside railway sector (this technology is railway specific)
close main section Overall rating
  open sub-section Overall potential: promising
  Time horizon: long-term
References / Links:  Bock, Bikker 2000
Attachments:
Related projects:
Contact persons:
 date created: 2002-10-09
 
 
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