Development of hybrid train cars

To even further reduce the environmental load of train engines railcar, we are doing R & D on hybrid train engines. For greater energy efficiency, research on ways to consider the overall system is needed.

A1: In the same way as for automobiles, it is a hybrid of a diesel engine and electrical storage batteries. Railcars are broadly classified as electric railcars, which run on electrified sections (section in which electricity can be supplied via over-head lines) and diesel railcars, which run on non-electrified sections (where there are no over-head lines and the train must move on its own power). Hybrid railcars are diesel railcars that are equipped with electrical generators and storage batteries, thus contributing to more efficient diesel engines.

A2: The biggest difference between trains and automobiles is that the running of trains is determined by the train operation diagram. The train must stop at the stations specified by the schedule at the specified times. That means the energy required to move the train can be estimated from the route and running time in advance, a fact that promises to save even more energy. We are conducting train operation simulations to investigate that. Also, trains are much heavier than automobiles, so a large-capacity battery system is required. Technology for the safe and accurate operation of such batteries is required.

A3: Hybrid railcars have excellent benefits for both the environment and people.A hybrid railcars running on the electrical system conserves energy, but it also reduces the burden of maintenance. We believe that this technology will be useful in hybridizing diesel engines, which are the engines most commonly used by railways around the world.