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An alternative to the diesel-powered vehicles in use today is the light rail vehicle with a dual power train (i.e. with both diesel and electric traction), which can be operated on both electrified and non-electrified lines. The article presents assumptions for the selection of the power unit, taking into account current emission standards, for a vehicle which design solutions are innovative in relation to the rolling stock currently in service. The vehicle takes into account the possibility of driving in electric and diesel traction, the use of an electric transmission (engine + traction transmission), the use of two generators (combustion engine + traction generator), which will increase the reliability of the light rail vehicle and its readiness for operation. By using the electrodynamic brake on the vehicle in electric and diesel traction, energy savings will be achieved, also thanks to recuperation during braking when operating in electric traction, there will be a reduction in fuel consumption in diesel traction through the use of an engine load algorithm depending on the current traction power demand.

The article presents an innovative concept of horizontal transverse loading of bimodal semitrailers by means of a transshipment terminal equipped with special the transshipment stands. An innovative switching station and a working principle improving the loading of bimodal trailers were described. The concept of the transshipment terminal equipped with several loading stands for bimodal semi-trailers is also presented. Various variants of organization of the terminal with horizontal transverse loading of bimodal semi-trailers are indicated. A preliminary computer simulation was carried out and the results are compared with the existing Polish system Tabor 1 and Tabor 2.

The article presents the functions of the relay valve and its place in brake systems of rail vehicles. The relay valve were divided according to their type, the structure and principle of their operation were discussed, and examples of rail vehicles and modules in which relay valves are installed are presented. Because of their function in braking systems the relay valves should be characterized by high reliability and correct carrying out the tasks in the braking system of rail vehicles. The article describes selected structural factors affecting the operation of the relay valve and which are important for ensuring the safety of train traffic. Such factors are the lubricants used in the relay valves and the way of controlling it simultaneously with two signals with the function of an alternative that eliminates unreliable elements of the braking system. The analysis of the test results of the lubricant parameters and the testing of the relay valves on the test bench showed that the correctness of the relay valves depends essentially on the properties of the lubricant used, especially at low temperatures. On the basis of the tests carried out, a grease was selected that at low temperatures meets the criteria for correct and reliable operation of relay valves in rail vehicles. In terms of the control method, a comparison of two control signal delivery systems to the relay valve has been made, a new design solution is presented that ensures greater operational reliability and thus greater safety of the train traffic.

The article presents an innovative solution of a two-unit rail vehicle system for passanger transport with a dual-drive, diesel engine and electric motor. The vehicle was designed as a combination of two units, one dedicated to each of the two drive systems, where one unit provides electric drive while the other a combustion engine. The selection of engine and drive components was presented along with the aftertreatment systems used in the design. The provided solution was created in response to the dynamic needs of rail vehicle operators in the European Union who aim to reduce exhaust emissions without compomising the reach of the existing rail networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]