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Knorr-Bremse has introduced LEADER Flow, a digital driver assistance system designed to enhance the operational efficiency of rail transport. The system provides intelligent driving recommendations to train drivers, aiming to optimize speed, acceleration, and braking. This technology is engineered to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and increase the reliability and punctuality of train services.
Key Highlights
- The LEADER Flow driver assistance system helps rail operators reduce energy consumption and improve punctuality.
- A pilot test with a European freight operator demonstrated average energy savings of 10.2%, with peak savings between 20-30%.
- The system utilizes a performance-based billing model, where costs are tied to the energy savings achieved.
- Initially launched for freight trains, the technology will be adapted for passenger trains in the future.
System Benefits and Business Model
The LEADER Flow system is presented as a significant step in Knorr-Bremse’s digital offerings, helping customers optimize costs, improve fleet planning, and increase overall performance in rail transport.
A key feature of the system is its innovative, partnership-based business model. This performance-based billing approach means both Knorr-Bremse and its customers benefit from the economic success generated by the energy savings. This “benefit sharing” model is designed to strengthen cooperation and accelerate the market adoption of long-term innovations.
Advanced Technology and Integration
LEADER Flow is an evolution of the LEADER driver assistance system, which has been utilized by Germany’s largest rail freight operator since 2018. The new system leverages a wide spectrum of data sources to optimize routing in real time. It incorporates comprehensive train models, live traffic data, electronic timetables, geodata, and GNSS location information into its digital route forecast. For ease of use, LEADER Flow can be operated as a standalone app on a tablet or integrated into existing systems in the train cockpit.
Proven Energy Savings
Following a two-year development period, LEADER Flow underwent a six-month test on locomotives of a major European freight operator within the German rail network. The results indicated that 89% of train drivers using the app operated their trains more efficiently than a control group without the system. The achieved energy savings averaged 10.2%, with peak reductions ranging from 20% to 30%.
The system achieves this efficiency through a sophisticated algorithm that provides targeted recommendations to the driver. This helps avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, making better use of intelligent rolling and buffer times. A “Traffic Flow Mode” offers flexibility, allowing the focus to be placed on energy consumption, travel time, or punctuality as needed. The cost and license fees are amortized from the first use, as billing is based purely on the energy saved.
International Rollout and Global Portfolio
The initial market launch of LEADER Flow is planned for German freight transport, with a medium-term goal of expanding to other European markets. The long-term objective is to offer the system in global rail markets for energy and trip optimization.
LEADER Flow is a key component of Knorr-Bremse’s global portfolio of intelligent driver assistance systems. While the focus in Europe is on fuel consumption and operational efficiency, the company offers other products, such as AutoPilot and AutoControl, in regions with the Association of American Railroads (AAR) standard, including North and South America and Australia. These solutions are tailored to local regulations and focus on automated driving for heavy-haul freight trains to improve efficiency and fuel savings.
For more information, visit Knorr-Bremse.
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