The Use of Energy Storages to Increase the Energy Effectiveness of Traction Rolling Stock

The important problem of increasing the energy effectiveness of traction rolling stock of railways and urban electric transport can be solved using onboard energy storages in traction electric drive systems. Onboard energy storages can perform a number of important functions promoting the efficient use of energy resources: storage of energy during cessation of electric braking, equalization of the schedule of power consumption from the prime heat engine, and storage of excess energy of regenerative braking. The main characteristics of electromechanical, inductive, capacitive, and electrochemical energy storages are considered from the point of view of effectiveness of their use as onboard energy storages in traction rolling stock.