Fuel Consumption Studies

Fuel is a large expense for the railroad industry. RSI can help reduce fuel costs by helping railroads identify factors, through the application of scientific analysis, that effect their fuel consumption costs and RSI help railroads make informed decisions about how to reduce those costs.

Factors that influence fuel consumption can be categorized into three groups: Equipment Type, Operating Procedures and Track and Terrain.

● Equipment Type
Various locomotive types have different fuel consumptions rates. The fuel consumption rate of locomotives is also directly affected by train resistance which, in turn, is directly affected by railcar truck quality and rail lubrication.

● Operating Procedures
The amount of fuel consumption is directly related to the speed of train operation, the use of power or stretch braking versus dynamic braking or drifting, and the number of locomotives operating in the consist. In many situations, changes in train handling techniques may result in significant fuel savings with little loss in running time.

● Track and Terrain
Changes in track alignment, which can change curving performance and train resistance, have a direct effect on fuel consumption. Route changes that involve significant changes in percent grade or distance also have a large bearing on fuel costs.

If a railroad is considering purchasing or leasing new or used locomotives, RSI has the ability to evaluate a railroads' overall operating strategy including fuel usage. RSI can model various locomotive types used on the railroads' track and can determine the most efficient locomotives to be used based upon the required operation (tonnages, schedules). RSI can also utilize our capability analysis program to ensure that recommended changes to the operation will still maintain customer service requirements.