Reducing DMU fuel consumption by means of hybrid energy storage

Purpose: This paper discusses a hybrid energy storage concept and its control strategy for hydro-mechanical DMUs. The hybrid energy storage consists of double layer capacitors and batteries. The new concept aims on reducing fuel consumption and avoiding unhealthy emissions during idling in station area. Methods: Development of a hybrid propulsion concept and control strategy requires adequate methods for modeling system behavior. The simulation environment Dymola is used to develop and evaluate the control strategy and for dimensioning the system components. Results: Simulations indicated fuel savings of up to 13% depending on track characteristics. Measurements of a scaled storage system in a HiL-environment showed good accordance of the simulated and measured behavior of battery and double layer capacitor. Conclusions: The newly developed storage system and its control strategy enable reduction of fuel consumption and unhealthy emissions in station areas. © 2011 The Author(s).