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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
open main section General information
close main section General criteria
  close sub-section Status of development: research & experiments
    The concept of virtually coupled train formations is currently studied at the Technical University of Brunswick (Institute for Electrical Measurement and Fundamentals of Electronics).
  Time horizon for broad application: in > 10 years
    (no details available)
  Expected technological development: highly dynamic
    (no details available)
    Motivation:
    Raise capacity of infrastructure while reducing production costs and times in freight traffic.
  Benefits (other than environmental): big
   

Service quality in freight service

Virtually coupled train formations of (LINK!) FMUs could substantially raise the efficiency of providing freight services in railways (time and cost reduction, point-to-point relations)

Capacity

Virtually coupled trains only occupy one slot (compared to several for freight train units running separately on the infrastructure)
  Barriers: high
   

Technological

The concept is still far away from technical maturity.

Safety

There is obviously a number of safety issues associated with virtual train coupling.

Transition costs

Introduction of a completely new system in freight traffic is costly. For the system to work efficiently a critical mass of equipped vehicles has to be reached.
    Success factors:
    (no details available)
  Applicability for railway segments: high
    Type of traction:  electric - DC, electric - AC, diesel
    Type of transportation:  freight
    (no details available)
    Grade of diffusion into railway markets:
  Diffusion into relevant segment of fleet: 0 %
  Share of newly purchased stock: 0 %
    (no details available)
  Market potential (railways): highly uncertain
    The concept is presently too far away from implementation stage in order to assess its market potential.
    Example:
    Concept not realised yet.
open main section Environmental criteria
open main section Economic criteria
no data available Application outside railway sector (this technology is railway specific)
open main section Overall rating
References / Links:  Bock, Bikker 2000
Attachments:
Related projects:
Contact persons:
 date created: 2002-10-09
 
 
© UIC - International Union of Railways 2003
 
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