Purpose.Nowadays a problem of significant power consumption of the rolling stock during its operation is a current issue. In connection with staged electricity rates increase further development of the rail electric transport, including metro rolling stock is impossible without a use of modern energy saving solutions and energy-efficient systems. To solve the specified problem it is necessary to carry out analysis of measures and determine prospective directions in energy saving and increase of energy efficiency on the metro rolling stock. Methodology. Using methods of scientific analysis, generalization, comparative analysis, forecasting and using results of experimental studies, the authors determined main ways for reduction of energy consumption during operation of the metro rolling stock. Energy cost analysis for metro rolling stock of the public utility (PU) «Kiev Metro» was carried out. A great number of research works of native and foreign authors concerning the above mentioned problem were analyzed. Findings. Principal directions in energy saving and increase of energy efficiency of the metro rolling stock are implementation of recuperation systems, energy storage systems and energy-efficient control systems. It was determined that implementation of recuperation and energy storage systems helps to save a considerable amount of energy, consumed for traction, but it involves substantial investments. It is pointed out that in current complicated conditions of economic development of Ukraine, use of energy-efficient control systems is a perspective direction in energy saving. Main advantage of this direction is the economic effect obtaining without significant investments. Originality. For the first time was performed potential assessment for energy saving as a result of energy-efficient control systems use at type routine rolling stock operation modes on sections «Khreschatik –Teatralnaya – Khreschatik» and «Shulyavskaya –Beresteyskaya –Shulyavskyaya» of KP «Kiev Metro». Practical value. Results of the research concerning quantity of energy saved with the help of recuperation systems and energy saving control systems can be used during building of a new metro rolling stock or modernization of existing one.

Александр Сафронов, к.т.н. (директор Государственного предприятия «Украинский научноисследовательский институт вагоностроения» ГП «УкрНИИВ»), Андрей Сулим, к.т.н. (заместитель директора по научной работе Государственного предприятия «Украинский научно-исследовательский институт вагоностроения»), Павел Хозя, к.т.н. (заведующий лабораторией электротехнических, динамических, теплотехнических и прочностных исследований железнодорожной техники Государственного предприятия «Украинский научноисследовательский институт вагоностроения»), Юрий Водянников, к.т.н., с.н.с. (ведущий научный сотрудник лаборатории электротехнических, динамических, теплотехнических и прочностных исследований железнодорожной техники Государственного предприятия «Украинский научно-исследовательский институт вагоностроения»), Сергей Столетов (заместитель заведующего лаборатории электротехнических, динамических, теплотехнических и прочностных исследований железнодорожной техники Государственного предприятия «Украинский научно-исследовательский институт вагоностроения»).

Запропоновано підхід для визначення раціональних параметрів ємнісного накопичувача енергії (ЄНЕ) для рухомого складу метрополітену, суть якого полягає у визначенні максимальної потужності та енергоємності бортового ЄНЕ за аналізом терміну окупності систем накопичення. Встановлено, що для заданих умов експлуатації рухомого складу метрополітену раціональним є впровадження ЄНЕ, максимальна потужність якого складає 1000 кВт, а робоча енергоємність-3 кВт•год Ключові слова: транспортна механіка, енергозбереження, енергоефективність, ємнісний накопичувач енергії, рухомий склад метрополітену Предложен подход для определения рациональных параметров емкостного накопителя энергии (ЕНЭ) для подвижного состава метрополитена, суть которого заключается в определении максимальной мощности и энергоемкости бортового ЕНЭ по анализу срока окупаемости систем накопления. Установлено, что для заданных условий эксплуатации подвижного состава метрополитена рациональным является внедрение накопителя, максимальная мощность которого составляет 1000 кВт, а рабочая энергоемкость-3 кВт•час Ключевые слова: транспортная механика, энергосбережение, энергоэффективность, емкостной накопитель энергии, подвижной состав метрополитена

Transportation of goods in large containers with loading length of 80 feet is one of the promising directions of railway transport development. However, despite considerable experience in construction of long-wheelbase flat cars, occasionally problems with the strength of load-bearing elements arise at the calculation, design and manufacture of such products. The article presents the technical characteristics of a long wheelbase flat car, as well as the results of experimental studies of fatigue tests of its load-bearing elements. The optimization of the design of the long wheelbase flat car was achieved both by increasing the sizes and shapes, and by using materials of increased strength. An analysis of the study’s results of an improved design showed the compliance of the values of the safety factor of fatigue strength and the service life of the flat car with regulatory and technical documentation. The conducted studies allow us to make recommendations regarding the design, rebuilding and testing of long wheelbase flat cars. The primary results of fatigue tests of the main load-bearing structural elements within the scope of experimental studies turned out to be mostly below acceptable values. This article contains facts confirming it. The results of experimental studies to determine the fatigue strength proved that the design elements require improvement and strengthening.

Existing research concerning the extention of the service life of various types of railway vehicles and assessing its remaining lifetime has been reviewed and analyzed. It has been established that the vast majority of studies relate to the assessment of the residual lifetime of various types of railway rolling stock based on the results of technical diagnostics and routine tests, as well as the assessment of corrosion wear of supporting elements and vehicles bodies. At the same time, little attention has been paid to the issue of improving existing programs and procedures of complex technical diagnostics. It was determined that the set of diagnostics operations for the extension of the service life includes routine tests of a test sample and examination of the technical condition of the metal structure of each railway vehicle for mechanical and corrosive damage.It is proposed to make changes to the existing current programs and procedures in such key sections as: terminology, objects of technical diagnostics and tests, selection of a test sample for routine tests, execution order and methods of technical diagnostics and routine tests, data processing and evaluation of results. A comprehensive approach for assessing the residual lifetime of railway vehicles is also proposed.