Key to Parallel’s latest rail vehicle is the opportunity to safely test core technologies and operational concepts on corridors shared with conventional freight trains, the firm confirmed.
With this second-generation rail vehicle, Parallel is conducting critical testing to verify the system’s ability to use the general rail network. The company is developing its tools and software so railroad customers can operate Parallel vehicles from their existing dispatching and train control systems.
Parallel’s clean sheet vehicle design is optimized for the unique characteristics of a fully modular freight movement system, for improved integration and safety. Parallel’s new rail vehicle helps the company refine performance and reliability as it works to finalize its product offering. The most notable visual update is a spanning structure that connects each end of the railcar to accommodate a standard sized shipping container. Parallel plans to offer a portfolio of solutions and this allows the company to test the new architecture that is well-suited for international markets and is more cost effective.
The second-generation vehicle includes both autonomous and remote operation features. While initial pilot tests will always operate under supervision, the autonomous system will be installed, learning and improving as Parallel further develops its autonomous capability.
Currently, Parallel Systems has produced three second generation vehicles, with three more in production and more are expected to follow. Parallel is working with real-world customers to bring the second-generation rail vehicles to existing rail networks in the US and internationally. The vehicles have been undergoing control, telemetry, traction, brake, and dynamics testing since November 2022 at Parallel’s Southern California test track.
Track-worthiness testing will be conducted with MxV Rail, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads, in Pueblo, Colorado in 2024.
Parallel will commence platoon demonstrations with the second-generation vehicle later this year. Each Parallel railcar is individually powered, and they form platoons of up to 50 cars to reduce energy consumption and efficiently use rail network capacity. The platooning is fully automated, the railcars don’t need to hook or unhook, they simply move close to each other and then initiate contact through bumpers to form platoons. Once contact is made, each vehicle maintains a set force with the one in front by regulating tractive effort. The small air gap and pushing action through railcar bumpers reduces overall aerodynamic drag of the platoon, improving energy efficiency.
Parallel was awarded US$4,438,897 by the Department of Energy (DOE) as part of its Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) initiative, which is helping to fund the development, production and testing of the second generation electric rail vehicles. The results of that testing will influence the next vehicle generations as Parallel shifts to commercial production.