Carriage and Traffic Capacity of Railway Hauls in Realization of «virtual Coupling» Technology of Freight Trains

Abstract

The article looks upon investigation results of efficiency of train movement regulating non-stop systems (including in case of usage of «virtual coupling» of freight trains) as compared to traffic signalization for a rated railway section. The analysis of scientific papers showed that the use of regulation interval systems makes it possible to reduce the estimated value of interval between trains, to increase the line carriage and traffic capacity, which is pertinent for sections with a throughput capacity close to admissible value. A «section carriage capacity» indicator is accepted in this case as a technology effect. When the distance between trains in the interval regulation system is decreased, the existent carriage (expressed in freight train paths) and traffic capacity of the section increase, this resulting in reduction of carriage capacity coefficient. The results of calculations are presented in the form of dependency diagrams of key indicators from the distance between trains in the interval regulation system. The shown dependencies enable determining of efficiency spheres of non-stop regulation system usage as compared to traffic signal systems as well as under conditions of freight train composition and handling according to «virtual coupling» technology.