NeTrainSim: a network-level simulator for modeling freight train longitudinal motion and energy consumption

Abstract Although train modeling research is vast, most available simulation tools are confined to city- or trip-scale analysis, primarily offering micro-level simulations of network segments. This paper addresses this void by developing the NeTrainSim simulator for heavy long-haul freight trains on...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ahmed S. Aredah, Karim Fadhloun, Hesham A. Rakha
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2024-04-01
Series:Railway Engineering Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40534-024-00331-x
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1850182270254579712
author Ahmed S. Aredah
Karim Fadhloun
Hesham A. Rakha
author_facet Ahmed S. Aredah
Karim Fadhloun
Hesham A. Rakha
author_sort Ahmed S. Aredah
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Although train modeling research is vast, most available simulation tools are confined to city- or trip-scale analysis, primarily offering micro-level simulations of network segments. This paper addresses this void by developing the NeTrainSim simulator for heavy long-haul freight trains on a network of multiple intersecting tracks. The main objective of this simulator is to enable a comprehensive analysis of energy consumption and the associated carbon footprint for the entire train system. Four case studies were conducted to demonstrate the simulator’s performance. The first case study validates the model by comparing NeTrainSim output to empirical trajectory data. The results demonstrate that the simulated trajectory is precise enough to estimate the train energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The second application demonstrates the train-following model considering six trains following each other. The results showcase the model ability to maintain safe-following distances between successive trains. The next study highlights the simulator’s ability to resolve train conflicts for different scenarios. Finally, the suitability of the NeTrainSim for modeling realistic railroad networks is verified through the modeling of the entire US network and comparing alternative powertrains on the fleet energy consumption.
format Article
id doaj-art-3de2abf28729426cbcf984a45f5761fd
institution OA Journals
issn 2662-4745
2662-4753
language English
publishDate 2024-04-01
publisher SpringerOpen
record_format Article
series Railway Engineering Science
spelling doaj-art-3de2abf28729426cbcf984a45f5761fd2025-08-20T02:17:40ZengSpringerOpenRailway Engineering Science2662-47452662-47532024-04-0132448049810.1007/s40534-024-00331-xNeTrainSim: a network-level simulator for modeling freight train longitudinal motion and energy consumptionAhmed S. Aredah0Karim Fadhloun1Hesham A. Rakha2Center for Sustainable Mobility, Virginia Tech Transportation InstituteCenter for Sustainable Mobility, Virginia Tech Transportation InstituteCenter for Sustainable Mobility, Virginia Tech Transportation InstituteAbstract Although train modeling research is vast, most available simulation tools are confined to city- or trip-scale analysis, primarily offering micro-level simulations of network segments. This paper addresses this void by developing the NeTrainSim simulator for heavy long-haul freight trains on a network of multiple intersecting tracks. The main objective of this simulator is to enable a comprehensive analysis of energy consumption and the associated carbon footprint for the entire train system. Four case studies were conducted to demonstrate the simulator’s performance. The first case study validates the model by comparing NeTrainSim output to empirical trajectory data. The results demonstrate that the simulated trajectory is precise enough to estimate the train energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The second application demonstrates the train-following model considering six trains following each other. The results showcase the model ability to maintain safe-following distances between successive trains. The next study highlights the simulator’s ability to resolve train conflicts for different scenarios. Finally, the suitability of the NeTrainSim for modeling realistic railroad networks is verified through the modeling of the entire US network and comparing alternative powertrains on the fleet energy consumption.https://doi.org/10.1007/s40534-024-00331-xNeTrainSimNetwork train simulationTrain longitudinal motionEnergy consumptionCarbon footprint
spellingShingle Ahmed S. Aredah
Karim Fadhloun
Hesham A. Rakha
NeTrainSim: a network-level simulator for modeling freight train longitudinal motion and energy consumption
Railway Engineering Science
NeTrainSim
Network train simulation
Train longitudinal motion
Energy consumption
Carbon footprint
title NeTrainSim: a network-level simulator for modeling freight train longitudinal motion and energy consumption
title_full NeTrainSim: a network-level simulator for modeling freight train longitudinal motion and energy consumption
title_fullStr NeTrainSim: a network-level simulator for modeling freight train longitudinal motion and energy consumption
title_full_unstemmed NeTrainSim: a network-level simulator for modeling freight train longitudinal motion and energy consumption
title_short NeTrainSim: a network-level simulator for modeling freight train longitudinal motion and energy consumption
title_sort netrainsim a network level simulator for modeling freight train longitudinal motion and energy consumption
topic NeTrainSim
Network train simulation
Train longitudinal motion
Energy consumption
Carbon footprint
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s40534-024-00331-x
work_keys_str_mv AT ahmedsaredah netrainsimanetworklevelsimulatorformodelingfreighttrainlongitudinalmotionandenergyconsumption
AT karimfadhloun netrainsimanetworklevelsimulatorformodelingfreighttrainlongitudinalmotionandenergyconsumption
AT heshamarakha netrainsimanetworklevelsimulatorformodelingfreighttrainlongitudinalmotionandenergyconsumption