1. The universities’ centre for railway systems research Aspects of Rail Vehicle Design Robert Watson, 1 st year of PhD

2. Research aims ●To investigate aspects of rail vehicle mass. ●Heavier trains have undesirable consequences on: Energy consumptionTrack degradation ●Methods of mass reduction will be investigated: -Revised crashworthiness standards -Materials

3. First Great Western study ●Imperial’s Train Energy Simulator modified to investigate energy- efficient driving styles for use on Paddington to Bristol TM HST routes. Simulation initialization Driver module Energy demand Energy management Engine Inverter and motor Vehicle module Simulation parameters & functions Control decision Energy Power Traction / braking Engine state Acceleration / velocity / displacement / journey time ENERGY AT WHEEL FUEL CONS.

4. First Great Western study ●Two energy-efficient driving styles studied: -Lowest section speeds between each station*. -Furthest coasting points from the approaching station*. *Whilst keeping to the timetable. ●Coasting points -Proposed coasting points trialled in late June / early July. -Viability confirmed from pre-trials. -Simulations suggest fuel saving in region of 10%.

5. Mass study – Padd → BTM 0.7 kg / tonne HST

6. Future work ●Trend of mass of UK rail vehicles: -Where is the mass coming from? ●Methods of mass reduction: -Revised crashworthiness standards? -Viable light weight materials. ●Energy saving from reduced mass forecast using: -Existing diesel-electric train energy model, -Electric train energy model. ●Effect on track of reduced mass.