Optimizing the aerodynamic efficiency of intermodal freight trains

Yung Cheng Lai; Christopher P.L. Barkan; Hayri Önal

doi:10.1016/j.tre.2007.05.011

Optimizing the aerodynamic efficiency of intermodal freight trains

Yung Cheng Lai, Christopher P.L. Barkan, Hayri Önal

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

We develop an aerodynamic loading assignment model for intermodal freight trains based on an integer-programming framework to help terminal managers make up more fuel-efficient trains. This is the first use of optimization modeling to address the aerodynamics and energy efficiency of railroad intermodal trains. Several recommendations regarding railway equipment use, operations, and policy are proposed to improve fuel-efficiency and reduce emissions from intermodal transportation. Analysis of one major railroad intermodal route reveals the potential to reduce fuel consumption by 15 million gallons per year with corresponding savings of $28,000,000. Greater benefits are possible through broader implementation of the model.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	820-834
Number of pages	15
Journal	Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review
Volume	44
Issue number	5
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2007.05.011
State	Published - Sep 2008

Keywords

Aerodynamics
Energy efficiency
Fuel use
Loading assignment
Railroad intermodal transportation
Urban freight

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Business and International Management
Civil and Structural Engineering
Transportation

Online availability

10.1016/j.tre.2007.05.011

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title = "Optimizing the aerodynamic efficiency of intermodal freight trains",

abstract = "We develop an aerodynamic loading assignment model for intermodal freight trains based on an integer-programming framework to help terminal managers make up more fuel-efficient trains. This is the first use of optimization modeling to address the aerodynamics and energy efficiency of railroad intermodal trains. Several recommendations regarding railway equipment use, operations, and policy are proposed to improve fuel-efficiency and reduce emissions from intermodal transportation. Analysis of one major railroad intermodal route reveals the potential to reduce fuel consumption by 15 million gallons per year with corresponding savings of $28,000,000. Greater benefits are possible through broader implementation of the model.",

keywords = "Aerodynamics, Energy efficiency, Fuel use, Loading assignment, Railroad intermodal transportation, Urban freight",

author = "Lai, {Yung Cheng} and Barkan, {Christopher P.L.} and Hayri {\"O}nal",

note = "Funding Information: The authors are grateful to Mark Stehly, Larry Milhon, Paul Gabler, and Mark Dingler for their assistance on this project. This research was supported by a grant from the BNSF Railway Technical Research and Development Program. A portion of the first author{\textquoteright}s graduate study support has been from a CN Railroad Engineering Research Fellowship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.",

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AU - Önal, Hayri

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Y1 - 2008/9

N2 - We develop an aerodynamic loading assignment model for intermodal freight trains based on an integer-programming framework to help terminal managers make up more fuel-efficient trains. This is the first use of optimization modeling to address the aerodynamics and energy efficiency of railroad intermodal trains. Several recommendations regarding railway equipment use, operations, and policy are proposed to improve fuel-efficiency and reduce emissions from intermodal transportation. Analysis of one major railroad intermodal route reveals the potential to reduce fuel consumption by 15 million gallons per year with corresponding savings of $28,000,000. Greater benefits are possible through broader implementation of the model.

AB - We develop an aerodynamic loading assignment model for intermodal freight trains based on an integer-programming framework to help terminal managers make up more fuel-efficient trains. This is the first use of optimization modeling to address the aerodynamics and energy efficiency of railroad intermodal trains. Several recommendations regarding railway equipment use, operations, and policy are proposed to improve fuel-efficiency and reduce emissions from intermodal transportation. Analysis of one major railroad intermodal route reveals the potential to reduce fuel consumption by 15 million gallons per year with corresponding savings of $28,000,000. Greater benefits are possible through broader implementation of the model.

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KW - Fuel use

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KW - Railroad intermodal transportation

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Optimizing the aerodynamic efficiency of intermodal freight trains

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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