Škoda ATO system can reduce the energy consumption by more than 15% in operation, optimising operating costs while ensuring better adherence to timetables, thereby improving overall service quality.
Thanks to the operational savings, transport companies can return their investment in ATO within three years, Škoda Group says. In addition, transport becomes more environmentally friendly, safer and smoother in daily operations.
These are the results based on Škoda ATO system deployed on the single-deck RegioPanter EMUs in Latvia and presented by the company in Ostrava at Rail Business Days.
“We have been testing the technology for a long time and have deployed it on Škoda 16Ev units in Latvia, and the results we got from the tests are very positive.
Despite the challenging weather conditions in northern Europe, we are able to generate energy savings approaching 12% thanks to ATO,” Matouš Pokorný, Software Development Team Leader – Autonomy at Škoda Group said.
ATO automates train control by assisting drivers and planning journeys with an emphasis on timetable and energy saving.
In automatic operation mode, it regulates speed according to a set value, stabilises speed using track height profile information, regulates braking when speed limits change and stops using a dynamically generated braking profile.
This requires accurate train location, which relies on its own odometry and position information from multi-band GNSS. The system does not require intervention in the track infrastructure or the addition of balise.
Based on a number of analyses, the Škoda ATO system is able to achieve savings of between 5 and 15%, depending on factors such as weather conditions or the terrain profile of the track and the layout of stops.
Škoda has deployed it on Škoda 16Ev electric units supplied to Latvia. Tests on these units showed that compared to journeys without the ATO system, the savings were almost 12%, depending on the occurrence of exceptional and unpredictable situations on the railway.
This digital solution can be deployed on all vehicles equipped with a modern signalling system.
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