Energy consumption of track-based high-speed trains: maglev systems in comparison with wheel-rail systems

Abstract

Background: The energy consumption of a high-speed system is an important part of its total operational costs. This paper compares the secondary energy demand of different wheel-rail systems, such as ICE, TGV and Shinkansen, and maglev systems, such as Transrapid and Chuo Shinkansen.
 In the past, energy values of systems with different conditions (train configuration, dimension, capacity, maximum speed) were frequently compared. The comparative values were often represented by the specific energy consumption based on passenger capacity and line-kilometer values.
 Aim: The goal is to find a way to compare the specific energy consumption of different high-speed systems without any distortion of results.
 Methods: A comparison of energy values based on normative usable areas inside the high-speed systems will be described and evaluated in this paper, transforming the results to a more distortion-free comparison of energy consumption of different systems.
 Results: The results show the energy consumption as an important characteristic parameter of high-speed transportation systems based on an objective comparison and give ranges of expected energy demand of different systems dependent on maximum speed level.
 Conclusion: Up to the design speed of wheel-rail systems there are slight advantages in terms of energy consumption for the Transrapid maglev. From the perspective of energy consumption under consideration to reduce travel time, high-speed maglev systems represent a promising option for new railway projects. However, a project-specific system decision must be based on a complete life-cycle cost analysis, including investment cost

Estimation of direct energy consumption and CO2 emission by high speed rail, transrapid maglev and hyperloop passenger transport systems

“…The main technical characteristics of the TRM system are: i) levitation and guidance; ii) propulsion; and iii) power supply system (Cassat & Bourquin, 2011;Fritz et al, 2018;Wenk et al, 2018).…”

“…The most recently published research dealing comparing the energy consumption of the TRM and the HSR is an illustration of such approach. In addition, the energy consumption of the HSR and the TRM has often been expressed with regard to the maximum operating speed, very often not or only indirectly mentioning the journey distances (Fritz et al, 2018). However, the analytical modeling and estimation of the energy consumption and CO 2 emission of the HL system and their comparison to that of the potential counterparts-the HSR, the TRM and also the APT-has been lacking.…”

Innovative Development of Transport System using Magnetic Levitation Technology

“…В своей работе «Energy Consumption of Track-Based High-Speed Transportation Systems: Maglev Technologies in Comparison with Steel-Wheel-Rail» авторы -члены международного управляющего комитета приводят убедительные доводы и целый ряд сравнительных параметров энергоэффективности двух систем: магнитолевитационной и классической высокоскоростной «колесо-рельс» [12] . Преимущества магнитолевитационного транспорта объясняются отсутствием трения в системе движущихся элементов .…”

Electrical Components of Maglev Systems: Emerging Trends

“…Although the capital cost of establishing a maglev system is high, its maintenance and operating costs, however, are much lower than the on-wheel railways due to less mechanical contacts. Maglevs show much less specific energy consumption as compared to wheel-based rail systems for the same travel distance at the same operating speed [9]. Specific energy consumption, which is measured in watt-hour per seat per kilometre (Wh/pl/km), changes with the operating speed, travel distance, track profile, train length and train technology used.…”