New technology sets train speed, saves fuel

A new technology to calculate optimal locomotive speed to save fuel has been developed by General Electric’s GE Transportation, reports the website, smartplanet.com.

According to smartplanet.com, the technology, called Trip Optimizer, “can save 3.3 million gallons on the first five million miles of track.”

Smartplanet.com, citing a GE press release, says that “based on a specific train’s makeup and route, the software calculates the optimal speed profile for a trip — and then automatically controls the throttle to maintain that speed.”

GE Transportation said its trip optimizer “generates fuel saving ranging from 3 percent to 15 percent per locomotive, depending on territory.”