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   Multiple units (MUs) vs. loco-hauled trains  evaluated  
Multiple units (MUs) with distributed traction allow for a more efficient space utilisation than locomotive-hauled trains. This leads to a number of advantages including the improvement of energy efficiency.
Technology field: Space utilisation
close main section General information
close main section General criteria
  close sub-section Status of development: in use
    (no details available)
  Time horizon for broad application: now
    (no details available)
  Expected technological development: basically exploited
    (no details available)
    Motivation:
   
  • High acceleration rates
  • Flexibility (especially in local traffic)
  Benefits (other than environmental): big
   

Utilization of adhesion

Decentralised traction raises maximum acceleration and deceleration rate, allows for running on steep gradients and under conditions where adhesion is low, e.g. due to rain or fallen leaves.

Electric brake

No brake wearing, efficient regenerative brake

Transport capacity

No locomotive, high seats per train length ratio.
  Barriers: low
    (no details available)
    Success factors:
    (no details available)
  Applicability for railway segments: high
    Type of traction:  electric - DC, electric - AC, diesel
    Type of transportation:  passenger - main lines, passenger - high speed, passenger - regional lines, passenger - suburban lines
    (no details available)
    Grade of diffusion into railway markets:
  Diffusion into relevant segment of fleet: > 20%
  Share of newly purchased stock: > 50%
    (no details available)
  Market potential (railways): high
    Most railway operators currently follow the paradigm of replacing loco-hauled trains by MUs wherever possible. The future market for such vehicles in local and suburban transport will therefore remain on its current high level and is expected to grow for main line and high speed trains.
    Example:
    (no details available)
close main section Environmental criteria
  open sub-section Impacts on energy efficiency:
  Energy efficiency potential for single vehicle: 5 - 10%
  Energy efficiency potential throughout fleet: 1 - 2%
  Other environmental impacts: neutral
close main section Economic criteria
no data available Application outside railway sector (this technology is railway specific)
close main section Overall rating
References / Links:  Hagiwara, Fukushima 2001
Attachments:
Related projects:
Contact persons:
 date created: 2002-10-09
 
© UIC - International Union of Railways 2003