The efficient operation of trains which undergo large changes in energy as they fulfill their operational function requires recapture of the kinetic energy of a high speed train or the potential energy of a train in mountainous terrain. This paper is a description of the various storage options available in the railroad environment and their relative merits. The economic, environmental, and safety issues are discussed. The options discussed include: the physical means of storing energy, the location on board the train or on fixed ground, and the relation of energy storage to the nature of the engine used as a prime mover. It is argued that, in the absence of a fully electric, power supply connected to a utility grid, the gas turbine engine is the best propulsion system to meet the propulsion needs of trains requiring high power and efficiency because its high power to weight ratio enables the use of energy storage.
展开▼
