Rail transport. trends in energy efficiency

Journal Article · Sun Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · Min. Congr. J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6467174

Eldridge, C C; Van Gorp, P H

The increasing cost and insecure future supply of diesel fuel have led the U.S. railroad industry to continuously improve on its already efficient use of energy. Among such improvements that are planned or in progress are a fuel-efficient version of a mainline engine, which should save 13,200 gal/yr of fuel; and lightweight coal cars and freight-car trucks, which offer fuel-saving opportunities. The use of synthetic fuels such as methanol-from-coal or all-electric locomotive on a broad scale is unlikely within the next 20 yr, but an increased use of synthetic fuels in other large fuel-consuming transport modes, notably cars, would ease the rail industry's future diesel fuel supply problems. Other fuel-saving factors to consider, such as proper train-operating procedures and the use of the best routes; and the new design of rail cars are also discussed.

• Research Organization: Bechtel Inc.
• OSTI ID: 6467174
• Journal Information: Min. Congr. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Min. Congr. J.; (United States) Vol. 66:6; ISSN MCJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320202* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Transportation-- Railway
DESIGN
DIESEL FUELS
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENERGY SUPPLIES
FUEL SUBSTITUTION
FUEL SUPPLIES
FUELS
LAND TRANSPORT
NORTH AMERICA
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
RAIL TRANSPORT
RAILROAD CARS
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
SYNTHETIC FUELS
TRAINS
TRANSPORT
USA
VEHICLES