A remarkable improvement in energy management is secured by the use of a simple, but effective, engineering device – the flywheel.
The flywheel allows the direct capture of brake energy (on slowing down or descent) and its re-use on pulling away and acceleration.
And since acceleration is provided by the flywheel, the primary power unit can be small and operated within a narrow and optimal speed range. |
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Experiences with smaller railcars indicate a fuel consumption for the 80 passenger vehicle of half that of the equivalent bus or dmu.
The small power unit and relatively simple mechanics result in easy maintenance with modest equipment.
Thus, while other rail vehicles have to make frequent service trips to often distant depots, PPM vehicles are maintained almost entirely on-site. |
