Algorithm for selecting motor and trailer cars in a freight train of motor-car traction according to the energy efficiency criterion
Authors: Troitskiy Pavel S. 
Published: April 2020

Background: improving the efficiency of freight transport is one of the main challenges facing the world's Railways. One of the most effective solutions is the introduction of distributed motor-car cargo traction. This will significantly increase the operational efficiency of the train's power plant, improve its handling, reduce the amount of destructive impact on the track, increase the capacity of railway lines and the reliability of deliveries of perishable goods.
When considering the allocation algorithm for operating the traction motors (TED) on the composition of a diesel freight trains subject to the conditions of alignment resource all TED motor coaches concluded the possibility of increasing the efficiency of multimotor traction drive modular freight trains using the proposed control algorithms for energy efficiency.
Aim: formalization of the task of selecting motor and trailer cars in a modular electric freight train.
Methods: In article the algorithm of selection of motor and trailer cars on a freight train railcar traction on the criterion of energy efficiency, the benefits of adopting a modular truck trains, are the main prerequisites for the implementation of distributed railcar truck pull. The work is based on the theory of traction calculations for train operation and is aimed at ensuring safe and energy-efficient traffic along the route sections.
Results: The developed algorithm of selection of motor and trailer cars in a unit train freight based on the condition of ensuring the traction and coupling properties of the train on the current upgrades, the development of the total volume of cargo offered for transport and energy efficiency of this type of traction.
When using the proposed algorithms for managing the energy efficiency of a motor-car electric train by selecting motor and trailer cars, adjusting the power, number of traction engines and their distribution by the composition of the traun, energy consumption on the Medvezhya Gora Noviy Poselok section can be reduced by 20.5% in the direction there and by 18.9% in the direction back without changing the traffic schedule. And when compared with a locomotive-hauled train that regulates energy consumption using the same algorithm by 4.49% and 3.61%, respectively. Energy consumption on the Krivenkovskaya Goitkh section can be reduced by 16% in the direction there and by 82% in the direction back without changing the traffic schedule. And when compared with a locomotive-hauled train that regulates energy consumption by the same algorithm by 1.61% and 65.92%, respectively.
Conclusions: The author proposes an algorithm for selecting motor and trailer cars in a freight train of motor-car traction according to the criterion of energy efficiency with the condition of ensuring traction and coupling properties on the calculated lifts. As well as the algorithm of distribution of working traction engines by the composition of the freight trains, taking into account the requirement of equalizing the resource of their work, preventing overheating and hypothermia of the fuel and energy system, and improving train handling.