Analysis of Trams’ Consumption Depending on the Type of Traffic Light Used

Abstract

In the XXI century, when environmental awareness is growing and the impact of human activity on the planet is more and more noticeable, striving to minimize energy consumption seems to be a necessary direction in the development of technology. This development cannot take place without an initial understanding and describing the relationships influencing specific technologies. It also needs empirical verification of assumed theories. Modern trams play an important role in the functioning of urban transport. Being one of the oldest modes of environmentally friendly transport, in European capitals they are currently perceived as one of the most convenient means of transport. This is due, among other things, to the high velocity of transport along the route. The energy consumed by trams indirectly depends on the driving characteristics, i. e. speed, acceleration and stops on the route, which are also caused by stopping at traffic light controlled junctions. This paper presents the results of an experiment showing the change in the level of electric energy consumption depending on the applied method of traffic light control. This article presents the conditions influencing the power consumption in trams, describes the possible strategies of traffic lights control and their consequences for other traffic participants. The research was carried out in real conditions in everyday traffic, measuring the level of electricity consumption in case of both fixed-time and actuated signaling with full priority for trams. On the examined section there were both modern asynchronous-drive as well as traditional resistor-drive vehicles. The conclusions drawn from the survey confirm the validity of introducing modern solutions and may be useful for estimating investment costs.