Investigating an all-hydraulic hybrid system for diesel-hydraulic rail cars

[摘要] PurposeThis paper outlines a complex simulation model for parallel-hybrid diesel railcars with hydrodynamic power transmission. It contributes to the discussion concerning whether a hydrostatic recuperation system can be an alternative to electric systems using double-layer capacitors or flywheels. The paper focusses on a hybrid system with realistic parameters concerning mass, power, and energy content that should be applicable to both existing and newly built vehicles.MethodsA simulation process that is based on the 1-d-multi-domain simulation tool Imagine.Lab AMESim is presented. The simulation comprises a conventional and an alternative drive train as well as the longitudinal dynamics of the vehicle along with the control of the vehicle motion. Energy-efficient driving techniques and timetable restrictions are taken into account when comparing train runs of different drivetrain configurations.ResultsSimulations based on real route data for eight different railway lines show a reduction of fuel consumption between 5 and 16 % due to the hydrostatic recuperation of energy. Station spacing and mean line gradients prove to be important line-side factors impacting fuel economy.ConclusionsHydrostatic recuperation represents a feasible solution for railcars, provided that possible spatial and economic obstacles can be overcome. As the simulation results are promising, further hybrid configurations will be considered for simulation. A comprehensive comparison to models of hybrid diesel railcars using different energy storages is the next step.

[发布日期] 2013-10-05

[关键词] Railcar;Parallel-hybrid;Fuel consumption;Diesel-hydraulic power transmission;Pressure storage;Hydraulic accumulator;Hydrostatic recuperation;System simulation