Energy Optimization Strategy for Intercity Electric Trains

The increasing necessity for sustainable transportation underscores the importance of implementation and optimization of the railway sector, one of the most efficient and low-emission modes of transport. This thesis focuses on the Eco-Drive Mode, which represent an energy optimization strategy for electric trains, applied on intercity trains. The strategy entails adjusting the number of active motors to match the power demand of the train, taking into account the route morphology, the speed limits and the stops. This enhances energy efficiency by enabling electrical components to operate under nominal load, thereby reducing energy consumption by approximately 3-4%. The implementation of this optimization does not necessitate hardware modification; rather, it is carried out through the utilization of the Eco-Drive tool, which evaluates the optimal motors configuration in all scenarios. The strategy was validated under different operational conditions by testing it on different tracks, resulting in a significant reduction in both energy consumption and CO2 emissions, particularly on routes characterized by low gradients, high target speeds and a reduced number of stops.