Green Train: concept and technology overview

Green Train (in Swedish, Gröna Tåget) is a research, development and demonstration programme with the overall objective to define an economical, flexible and environmentally friendly train concept. The objective is also to develop technology for future high-speed trains for the northern European market, particularly for Scandinavia. Most of the technology developed is also applicable to other world markets, as well as to slower trains. The programme has covered many important areas, including economy, capacity and market aspects, conceptual design, traveller attractiveness and interiors, travel time, energy efficiency and noise, winter performance, track friendliness and car body tilt, aerodynamics, electric propulsion and current collection. The programme has conducted fundamental analysis and research on the different issues as well as design and testing of new technologies. A number of crucial technologies have undergone performance and type testing both in lab and on a test train. Experience feedback was achieved in commercial train service during the period 2006−2013 including harsh winters. This paper summarises a great deal of research and development that has been performed in the Green Train programme.