Energy efficient heating technologies to cut energy demand on passenger rolling stock
Project number:
T1369
Research uncovers ways to cut train heating costs and emissions
'T1369 provides the industry with a succinct study on the options to minimise energy consumption for heating and cooling using worldwide best practice.'
The challenge
Heating systems are one of the largest auxiliary energy demands on passenger trains. As a result, they have a major impact on total energy consumption and carbon emissions.
In order to reduce emissions, the efficiency of onboard systems must be improved. This is especially important for both battery-electric and hybrid rolling stock. This is because auxiliary loads such as heating directly reduce the available traction energy and operating range.
Changes to existing trains and the procurement of new trains require a better understanding of how heating systems could be made more energy efficient.
What we did
RSSB commissioned research project T1369 to identify technologies that could improve the energy efficiency of heating systems on passenger trains.
The project reviewed heating requirements across 22 GB fleets to assess energy consumption and CO2e emissions from heating systems.
An analysis identified three potential improvements that could provide measurable reductions in heating energy use across GB passenger rolling stock while maintaining passenger comfort:
- fresh-air control
- heat-pump systems
- improved insulation.
The research quantified the potential energy savings of each option and their feasibility for both retrofit and new builds.
Benefits delivered
The project has provided a quantified understanding of the energy used by train heating and how this can be reduced.
It identifies practical and commercially available options to reduce this demand and the associated carbon emissions. The potential reductions range from 18% to 53%. These reductions would deliver both financial savings and lower emissions for train operators.
Additionally, the results provide evidence to support more informed decisions when specifying heating systems for both new and existing rolling stock.