Urban public transport energy use is determined largely by the weight of the vehicle, and frequency of intermediate stops, imposing repeated acceleration/steady running/braking cycles, in which much of the kinetic energy is dissipated. Energy consumed for the same capacity and vehicle performance may be reduced by coasting, cutting vehicle weight, and use of regenerative braking, on electrically‐powered systems, to convert the otherwise wasted braking energy into useful form. Particular attention is paid to the last‐named, identifying results of past experience and recent simulations. Practical constraints limiting the amount of energy actually recovered are discussed, including proportion of vehicle weight braked electrically, receptivity of the supply system, stop spacing and number of vehicles operated simultaneously. Reference is also made to battery vehicles and flywheel energy storage.

    It is suggested that considerable scope exists in urban electric rail operation for reduced energy consumption, as existing fleets are replaced by lighter weight vehicles, fitted for regenerative braking. Further savings may come from use of inverter equipment. Rate of fleet renewal may be an important factor. Buses are already much more energy efficient, and dramatic gains are unlikely. However, there is some scope for use of flywheel energy storage, and regenerative braking on trolleybuses.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Energy conservation in urban public transport


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1982-06-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    Unknown



    Optimization of urban public transportation systems for energy conservation

    Herzog,C. / Derderian,P. | Automotive engineering | 1991


    Bus for Urban Public Transport: Energy Performance Optimization

    Vollaro, Roberto De Lieto / Evangelisti, Luca / Battista, Gabriele et al. | Tema Archive | 2014


    Urban public transport today

    Simpson, Barry J. | TIBKAT | 1994


    Urban public transport : statistics

    International Union of Public Transport | TIBKAT | 1.1997 -


    Transport energy conservation conference

    Sjoestrom / Close,H. / Dreskornfeld,W. et al. | Automotive engineering | 1980