High-speed train's aerodynamic drag slashed by 22% thanks to engineering breakthrough, reaching speeds of 248 mph
In an effort to make high-speed train travel more energy-efficient, scientists from China and France have been working diligently to reduce aerodynamic drag. Their findings, published in the journal Advances in Wind Engineering, could significantly improve the energy consumption of high-speed trains.
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Meanwhile, in China, a team of scientists has been testing the aerodynamic properties of high-speed trains. They've examined various factors such as streamlined lengths, train heights, pantograph structures, and more, in a bid to minimise drag. Extending the streamlined nose to 49.2 feet (15 meters) and reducing the train height led to significant aerodynamic benefits, according to the scientists.
The team's design showed a reduction in aerodynamic drag by up to 22.11% compared to the original model. This reduction is crucial as up to 30% of the traction energy in trains is consumed by motion drag.
In France, the modified Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) has been tested, achieving a speed of 357 mph in tests. However, in normal operations, it operates between 167 and 199 miles per hour. The key to substantial drag reduction, as explained by Prof. Wang Tiantian, lies in coordinated improvements across multiple train components.
The aerodynamic drag accounts for a large proportion of the head, pantograph, and bogie in high-speed trains. The team's approach involves design optimization of these components. Certain uneven bogie fairing configurations might offer advantages over traditional flush designs in specific applications, according to the team's findings.
The redesigned low-drag pantograph, featuring optimised geometry, demonstrated promising performance gains, says Wang. The total drag of a 248 mph HST increases by nearly 30 percent during operation compared to a 217 mph high-speed train, according to scientists.
China has also tested the CR450 train, which can reach a maximum speed of 281 miles per hour (453 kmph). With these advancements, high-speed trains could become more energy-efficient and sustainable, making them an attractive choice for long-distance travel.
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