Automated rail has been slow in its development throughout North America, but this technology is becoming more prevalent in other parts of the world.
In Europe, development has been spurred by the European Union’s 2012 clean air policy, which requires a dramatic decrease in emissions by 2030. This has led to a push for electric passenger and freight trains.
Unfortunately, the electrification of rail infrastructure is costly, so many companies are searching for alternative ways to power their trains.
One company, Parallel Systems, has developed a solution that they believe will help move freight cleaner and more efficiently – autonomous battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
BEVs are powered by batteries, which store energy in chemical form and can be recharged from the electrical grid. This makes them an emissions-free option for freight trains.
Furthermore, BEVs are much quieter than diesel-powered trains, so they can operate at night without disturbing residents.
These systems could introduce a simple freight rail service that is also more efficient and environmentally friendly than currently available. The solutions are also more energy efficient than autonomous transport trucks, using 25% less energy to carry more freight. Because of the minor energy requirement, the system will need fewer batteries and will be far less expensive to operate.
The railcars also maximize efficiency by performing predictive maintenance scans and reducing inconsistent and unnecessary braking. Freight deliveries like these could lead to direct to warehouse solutions, micro terminals for delivery, and automated support to manage the entire operation.
It is estimated that this technology could reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel-powered trains, making a significant dent in the freight industry’s carbon footprint. In addition, the BEVs would have a smaller environmental impact than diesel-powered trucks, which are currently the preferred method of freight transport in many parts of the world.
We will watch this technology closely to see the rail industry’s future.
For nearly half a century, Swartz Engineering has been at the forefront of industry safety. They are a family owned company specializing in power distribution for the electrical industry. They are the leading manufacturer of mobile substation.
