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Recuperation is one of the most perspective energy saving methods in railway transport - conversion of train kinetic energy into electric energy and its release to the other user. Recuperation could be very useful for freight transportation. Full and several times heavier than empty train units are transported to sea ports (i.e. going down), the empty ones several times lighter than full ones are transported from the sea ports (i.e. going up). Such asymmetry of freight transportation volumes (when the direction is "down" the freight volumes are higher than the direction is "up") could be effectively applied for the recuperation of the energy. When there is a respective combination of railway incline and freight asymmetry, it is possible to use freight potential energy with the help of recuperation and in thereby freight transportation could be possible without external energy source, however, there is a minimum limit of incline which could not be exceeded (to smaller part) because then the recuperation is not possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tests performed by the authors have shown that diesel locomotive engines efficiently operate using a mixture of diesel oil and about 40% of rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME) while their ecological and economical parameters do not differ much from those of the locomotives operating on pure diesel oil. When biodiesel is used, the pollutants released into the atmosphere by an engine are less harmful. Therefore, the respective laws of the Republic of Lithuania provide for some financial incentives and allowances to transport enterprises using biological diesel oil. The paper presents a mathematical model for determining the expenses associated with the use of biological diesel oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers electrodynamic braking of trains, which is of particular importance for high-speed railway transport from theoretical and technical perspectives. Braking methods used for high-speed trains should ensure compatibility and redundancy of braking systems. They include a mechanical method (based on adding frictional disks to wheelsets), as well as magnetic braking, which is being currently implemented and based on eddy currents, etc. High-speed trains have AC/DC engines, for which the principles of electric braking can be applied. Electrodynamic braking is of particular importance for high-speed transport using linear motors and developing the speed of 400-500 km/h. These traction rolling stocks will not have commonly used trucks. The tests in this area are being conducted in Japan and Germany now. The paper suggests some theoretical and practical solutions to these problems. Schematic diagrams of the locomotive braking and ways of controlling the braking force by varying electric circuit parameters are presented. The authors suggested contact-free regulation of braking rheostat resistor for controlling braking force in rheostatic braking. A schematic diagram of harmonizing electrified railways and power system's upgrading aimed at ensuring power regeneration is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]