Investigation of Driving Style Impact on the Ecological Indicators of a Diesel Multiple Unit (SAE Paper 2020-01-2213)

The topics covered in the publication are consistent with the global trends that are aimed at reducing the negative environmental impact of human activities, which are implemented simultaneously in two areas: approval and operation. The article presents issues related to the impact of diesel multiple unit operation on the exhaust emission of harmful and toxic components and fuel consumption. Research trials concerned different driving styles and acceleration patterns of the tested vehicle, which can be considered a part of the eco-driving trend. These tests were carried out on a closed track designated for testing rail vehicles with the use of mobile measuring apparatus, intended for testing vehicles in real conditions of their operation. The vehicle selected for testing - the diesel multiple unit technically classed as a rail motor coach, belongs to one of the most numerous groups of rail vehicles used in regional transport, used on routes where passengers are transported over short distances. These types of train lines are characterized by frequent stops at stations, which confirms the need to investigate this subject. The selected vehicle was powered by an internal combustion engine in which ecological and economic properties depend on the operating ranges and parameters used. Previous scientific papers on eco-driving include mostly research on road vehicles, passenger cars in particular. The authors have found a lack of literature on issues related to the assessment of how a rail vehicle acceleration values would affect its environmental indicators, which makes the subject investigated to be a fairly novel field of testing. The only eligible papers currently available concerned the impact of the vehicle acceleration method on electricity consumption.