Analysis of energy costs for shunting operations performed by electric locomotives

Introduction. Scientifically, energy efficiency of shunting operations at electrified stations should be improved by gradual replacement of diesel shunters with advanced contact-accumulator electric shunters. The discussion of the use of such locomotives should take into account the power consumption figures achieved by mainline electric locomotives of the existing series in shunting operations.

Materials and Methods. The paper uses statistical methods to analyse power consumption on driver’s routes for 2023 and processes registered on-board data of electric locomotives involved in shunting operations for individual driver’s shifts. The work investigates the relationship between power consumption for shunting operations and atmospheric air temperature. 

Results. The paper determines the peculiarities of power consumption in shunting operations of electric locomotives, and provided power consumption figures in operation of different series of electric locomotives. The work considers the air temperature factor when rationing electricity for shunting, and proposes an on-board data based procedure for power consumption rationing.

Discussion and Conclusion. The study indicates the range of power consumed by electric locomotives for shunting operations under current operating conditions. This wide range of shunting loads should be taken into account in the design of advanced electric shunters. The need for their creation is also caused by the incomplete correspondence between the characteristics of the mainline electric locomotives used and the shunting conditions. The latter also calls for a reasonable choice of the most suitable series for shunting work.

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