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Freightmiser software is an in-cab advice system for train drivers.
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RAIL Cooperative Research Centre’s (CRC) FreightMiser project
is on track to shave 10 per cent off long haul freight fuel bills,
thereby significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
FreightMiser software, developed at the University of South
Australia in conjunction with TMG Rail Technology as a project of
Rail CRC, is an in-cab advice system for train drivers.
The system advises the ideal acceleration and deceleration profiles
to reduce fuel consumption and ensure trains run to time.
TMG International Senior Consultant and FreightMiser project
manager Robert Yee said the system had the potential to save
millions of dollars in fuel costs and consequent greenhouse gas
emissions.
“For long-haul rail freight transport, fuel is one of the
largest operating costs,” Mr Yee said.
“FreightMiser can significantly reduce this – saving
10% of the total fuel bill, and that will also mean a commensurate
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. That is a significant saving
for Australia’s long-haul freight train operators.
“It (FreightMiser) has a big future Australia-wide and
internationally.
“There are other systems on the international market, but
FreightMiser works on different principles and is simpler in both
its hardware and software – this means it’s easier and
cheaper to install and offers a quicker return on
investment.”
FreightMiser technology is currently being commercialised by Rail
CRC partners TMG Rail Technology, Pacific National and the
University of South Australia, and should become operational in NSW
early next year.
The project is one of approximately 40 Rail CRC research projects,
which were established and supported under the Australian
Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Programme.
Rail CRC is headquartered at Central Queensland University’s
Rockhampton campus and consists of rail industry partners –
TMG Rail Technology, ARTC, Pacific National, Queensland Rail, and
Rail Corp - and six university partners – University of South
Australia, Central Queensland University, Monash University, The
University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and
the University of Wollongong.
For more information on this and other Rail CRC projects visit
www.railcrc.com.au
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