Lecture - 10

Energy output from driving axles

Determination of specific energy output using simplified speed -time curve

MIET, EE Poulomi Ganguly

 Energy output for the run in watt − hours
Specific energy output =
Weight of the train in tonnes × distance of run inkm

Energy consumption for train movement

Energy consumption in propelling the train is required for: -

MIET, EE Poulomi Ganguly

Factors affecting specific energy consumption of an electric train operating on a given
schedule speed

The specific energy consumption of a train operating at a schedule speed depends upon the
following factors: -
a) Distance between stops – Greater the distance between stops lesser will be the
specific energy consumption.
b) Acceleration & retardation – For a given run at a given schedule speed, greater the
value of acceleration and retardation, more will be the period of coasting and,
therefore, lesser the period during which the power is on i.e., S1 will be small and,
therefore, specific energy consumption will accordingly be less. How the specific
energy consumption falls with the increase in value of acceleration (or retardation)
and distance of run is illustrated in Fig 7.11.

c) Maximum speed – Equation 7.25 clearly shows that the specific energy consumption
depends upon the maximum speed Vm.
d) Nature of gradient – Steep gradient will involve more energy consumption even if
regenerative braking is used.
e) Train resistance – Depending on the type of train equipment used, the train resistance
varies. More the train resistance greater will be the specific energy consumption.
f) Efficiency – Specific energy is independent of locomotive overall efficiency but the
specific energy consumption being equal to specific energy output divided by

MIET, EE Poulomi Ganguly

 locomotive overall efficiency depends on the overall efficiency of the locomotive.
Greater the overall efficiency lesser will be the specific energy consumption for a
given specific energy output at the axles.
Typical values of specific energy consumption are 50-75 Wh/Tonne-km for suburban
services and 20-30 Wh/Tonne-km for main line service.

Solved Sums

MIET, EE Poulomi Ganguly

MIET, EE Poulomi Ganguly
MIET, EE Poulomi Ganguly