|
Rail Cooperative Research Centre’s (CRC) FreightMiser project is on track to shave 10 per cent off long haul freight fuel bills, thereby significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
FreightMiser software, developed at the University of South Australia in conjunction with TMG Rail Technology as a project of Rail CRC, is an in-cab advice system for train drivers.
The system advises the ideal acceleration and deceleration profiles to reduce fuel consumption and ensure trains run to time.
TMG International Senior Consultant and FreightMiser project manager Robert Yee said the system had the potential to save millions of dollars in fuel costs and consequent greenhouse gas emissions.
“For long-haul rail freight transport, fuel is one of the largest operating costs,” Mr Yee said.
“FreightMiser can significantly reduce this – saving 10% of the total fuel bill, and that will also mean a commensurate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. That is a significant saving for Australia’s long-haul freight train operators.
“It (FreightMiser) has a big future Australia-wide and internationally.
“There are other systems on the international market, but FreightMiser works on different principles and is simpler in both its hardware and software – this means it’s easier and cheaper to install and offers a quicker return on investment.”
FreightMiser technology is currently being commercialised by Rail CRC partners TMG Rail Technology, Pacific National and the University of South Australia, and should become operational in NSW early next year.
The project is one of approximately 40 Rail CRC research projects, which were established and supported under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Programme.
Rail CRC is headquartered at Central Queensland University’s Rockhampton campus and consists of rail industry partners – TMG Rail Technology, ARTC, Pacific National, Queensland Rail, and Rail Corp - and six university partners – University of South Australia, Central Queensland University, Monash University, The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and the University of Wollongong.
Editor's Note: Original news release can be found here.
|
