This simulation is based on the hypothesis that connecting high speed tracks could increase the transport performance with relatively few new investment. This version of the simulation focuses to show the haul capacity and the energy consumption. If the result show a significant improvement, the next step will focus on a comparison of costs and return to show the economical potential of such a system.
1. Running trains with constant speed on a circle increase the throughput
Trains slowing down or stopping reduce the throughput of a train system. They also waste a lot of energy for acceleration and breaking. Keeping the mass in a constant and reasonable speed in respect of the air resistance will physically lead to a minimal traction energy.
Therefore the hypothesis is that connecting the fast tracks to a continuous line will raise the throughput because there are no slow parts having a reduced speed lowering the whole system throughput.
2. Separate transit from destination traffic Instead of running from station to station or from point to point, there could be closed track, maybe including existing high-capacity tracks.
The idealization of this closed line of tracks is a circle. The circle is used for this simulation because it easier to calculate then an irregular closed line.
Goals for this version of the simulation
The reason for this simulation is to check the assumption, if it was possible to improve the capacity of a train track system, by connecting the fast track to a kind of a ring.
The goal of this current version is to verify the input parameters and the calculation to see if such a system might be benefical and to get feedback leading to confirmation or improvement of the input parameters and the correctness of the results. If you have input like operational results from train companies or research results, preferably including link to sources, please use the feedback form.
Once the input parameters have been verified, the goal is to calculate the total cost of a TonKilometer transported. To do this information about cost for constructing new and maintaining existing fast speed tracks are needed. Please also give feedback, if you have information for this!
Eventually there are also ideas for extensions steps out of which the idea to use excess capacity for water supply might be the most interesting one.
Results
The results are displayed on their own page.