201107 – Kull – ECP Braking Overview: A Look at the Technology and Benefits for the Entire Rail System

ECP brake systems are being increasingly adopted on Australian railways, with a focus on heavy haul mining applications. U.S. railroads are also implementing new “Positive Train Control” (PTC) systems, which is a form of Communications Based Train Control (CBTC). This paper provides an overview of ECP brakes and how this technology can be integrated with new CBTC systems to provide a path towards Automatic Train Control (ATO), with benefits of increased network capacity, safety, and reduced fuel use.