Simulating the operation of new-generation freight-EMUs for high-speed lines: perspectives for more reliable, sustainable, and fast logistics

This paper aims at establishing the most appropriate maximum cruising speed for a freight electric multiple unit (F-EMU), i.e., a concept of a new-generation freight train with distributed power, diagnosable, and able to run on high-speed lines. Different scenarios were simulated on the Turin-Verona line, all considering 5 subsequent trains departing after the end of the passenger service and arriving before the scheduled night-time maintenance operations on the infrastructure. The scenarios considered the current signalling system (SCMT+ERTMS level 2) and ETCS level 3 with train- platooning. It has been shown that, because of the limitations due to the tarpaulin resistance of swap bodies loaded on the flat wagons, the most convenient speed for the design of these trains is 160 km/h, being the best compromise for line capacity and timetable robustness. Moreover, given the homotachic nature of the foreseen scenarios, train-platooning would be a viable solution for reducing delays and having a more reliable service.