Dynamic train unit coupling and decoupling at cruising speed: Systematic classification, operational potentials, and research agenda

• Published in: Journal of rail transport planning & management Vol. 18; p. 100241
• Main Authors: Nold, Michael, Corman, Francesco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-06-2021
• Subjects: (Train) Unit coupling in operation; Continuous railway system; Dynamic coupling; Dynamic mechanical coupling; Portion working; Virtual coupling; Dynamic mechanical coupling; Continuous railway system; (Train) Unit coupling in operation; Dynamic coupling; Virtual coupling; Portion working
• ISSN: 2210-9706; 2210-9714
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrtpm.2021.100241

The possibility to couple train units into consists, which can be vehicles or platoons, has been proposed to improve, among other, average passenger speed, energy efficiency, and railway infrastructure capacity utilization. We systematically review and categorize the technologies and application of coupling train units into vehicles or platoons, identifying different generations of train coupling, which are used for railway operations. The requirements, compatibility in terms of infrastructure and vehicle equipment as well as backward compatibility are analyzed. The potential of a dynamic train unit coupling and decoupling at cruising speed is proposed, and identified as the 4th generation of train coupling. The possibility of current technology to implement a mechanical dynamic coupling and decoupling at cruising speed is reviewed, with functional requirements and steps of such a process. Based on dynamic coupling at cruising speed, various operating concepts are presented, with focus on commuter-networks between polycentric agglomerations. The potential of dynamic coupling and decoupling at cruising speed might reach travel time reductions in the order of 1/3 and no transfers, for a typical test case in Switzerland between Bern and Zurich.
•Systematic review of coupling trains (overlapping lines, portion working, virtual coupling, dynamic coupling).•Dynamic coupling allows for reduction of travel time from reduction of transfer.•The advantage of dynamic coupling against current operations can go beyond 34% less travel time, and up to 51% less generalized travel time.•A research agenda for technology, operational, economics and policy aspects.