Improving the energy efficiency of a tram’s running gear

Abstract

This research analyses the influence of some design features of an undercarriage of a tram on the energy efficiency in terms of mechanical energy losses during its operation. The work includes the comparison of results of the research from two main points of view, namely from a running gear design and a railway wheel design. Two variants of a tram’s bogie are investigated. A standard bogie and a bogie with a system that allows a radial adjustment of the wheelsets in curves. Two designs of a railway wheel are compared, a wheel with the traditional construction scheme and a wheel with a perspective construction scheme. The values of mechanical energy losses due to slippage in the contact between the wheels and rails are analysed. These losses are obtained with reference to a specific route and the value of the average power dissipated. Moreover, an analysis of advantages and disadvantages of bogie designs has made it possible to consider the most appropriate bogie design in terms of ensuring the energy efficiency. In this case, the bogie design with the wheels with the perspective construction scheme can be considered as the optimal option.