Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Limited (SMRT) has partnered with Thales Group to deploy the next-generation green communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling system on the North–South and East–West (NSEW) lines. The project aims to reduce electricity consumption on the mass rapid transit (MRT) systems by 15 per cent and increase traction energy efficiency.
The lines are currently equipped with the Thales SelTrac CBTC system to provide an automatic train control system (ATCS). The energy usage pattern on the NSEW lines will be analysed using operational revenue data collected by the SelTrac CBTC system to improve the algorithms and to recommend suitable changes. The improved green CBTC algorithms will be implemented using advanced techniques such as optimised curves, advanced coasting, and peak limiting function to further reduce energy consumption.
Green CBTC can also coordinate arrival and departure times from stations, so that the energy returned to the traction power supply system by a train using regenerative braking can be used by other trains starting from stations.