Traction energy management in KCR

The traction power supply of the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) is electrified at 25 kV single phase 50 Hz overhead current collection system. Traction energy cost averages $7.50M per month. In November 1991, a package of methods was introduced to reduce traction energy consumption without affecting the train service. These methods include improved train driving practice, modifications to train-borne lighting and air-conditioning control circuitries, rationalisation of the running time table and installation of power factor correction equipment. As a result, savings in traction energy and brake pads are being achieved and have become sustainable. This paper describes how the traction energy saving is achieved through optimum driving, and the approaches which KCR has adopted on its traction energy management and means of measuring and monitoring traction energy savings