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Energy efficiency of ropeways: a model-based analysis

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Abstract

Ropeways are one of the most effective way to transport passengers or goods within minimum space requirements and with high transportation capacities in conjunction with a high safety level. Hence, ropeways are preferably used in mountainous regions as well as for urban transport. However, due to their functional principle, ropeways dissipate plenty of energy based on damping and friction effects. This paper focuses on the analysis of the energy consumption of ropeways and presents possible improvements, which may reduce the total energy consumption up to 20%. In terms of climate change and green marketing this could be one key point to implement sustainable tourism in ski regions. First, an analytical model is described, which enables the analysis of monocable ropeway systems in a stationary state. The model delivers physical values like the forces at the towers and the power consumption, which is separated into parts for transportation, the power loss of the drive, the power consumption of the stations and the power loss of the sheaves. As an improvement to the ropeway standard DIN EN 12930, the rolling resistance coefficient will be considered as velocity-dependent. The model is parametrized by measurement data of a representative ropeway. Second, the main parameters of the mechanical system such as the velocity or the number of vehicles are analyzed concerning their influence on the energy consumption. Finally, three possible energy-saving strategies are described, which provide a significant reduction of the energy consumption without any modifications in the mechanical system or by reducing the transport capacity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Machine Elements, Design and Manufacturing, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, Agricolastraße 1, 09599, Freiberg, Germany

    Robert Szlosarek, Chenguang Yan & Matthias Kröger

  2. AMSD Advanced Mechatronic System Development KG, Dietrichsteinplatz 11, 8010, Graz, Austria

    Christian Nußbaumer

Authors
  1. Robert Szlosarek
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  2. Chenguang Yan
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  3. Matthias Kröger
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  4. Christian Nußbaumer
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Correspondence to Robert Szlosarek.

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Szlosarek, R., Yan, C., Kröger, M. et al. Energy efficiency of ropeways: a model-based analysis. Public Transp 11, 617–635 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12469-019-00212-1

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