Does UIC 920-13 apply to high-speed and freight lines?

Yes, it applies to all electrified lines, including high-speed, regional, and freight operations.

How does UIC 920-13 relate to EN 50163?

UIC 920-13 complements EN 50163 by ensuring traction voltage and electrification systems are safe, reliable, and energy-efficient.

Who should implement UIC Leaflet 920-13?

Railway infrastructure managers, energy engineers, rolling stock operators, and certification authorities implement UIC 920-13 to ensure safe and sustainable train operations.

Powering Progress: UIC Leaflet 920-13 on Railway Energy Efficiency and Electrification Explained

Q: What is UIC Leaflet 920-13?

UIC Leaflet 920-13 defines requirements for railway electrification systems and energy efficiency practices, ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable train operations.

UIC Leaflet 920-13 defines standards for railway energy efficiency and electrification systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable operations across European networks.

Powering Progress: UIC Leaflet 920-13 on Railway Energy Efficiency and Electrification Explained

October 7, 2023 11:34 am

What Is UIC Leaflet 920-13?

UIC Leaflet 920-13 is a standard issued by the International Union of Railways (UIC) that specifies requirements for railway electrification systems and energy efficiency practices.
It ensures safe, reliable, and sustainable operation of passenger and freight trains across European rail networks.

Importance of UIC Leaflet 920-13

Energy consumption is a critical factor for operational cost, environmental impact, and sustainability of railways.
UIC 920-13 provides guidelines for optimizing traction energy use, designing efficient electrification systems, and implementing energy-saving operational practices.

Specifies electrification system parameters (AC/DC, voltage levels)
Defines energy efficiency metrics and measurement methods
Supports sustainable and cost-effective railway operations
Ensures interoperability across European rail networks

Scope and Technical Coverage

The leaflet applies to all electrified railway lines and rolling stock, including high-speed, regional, and freight operations.
It covers energy management, system design, operational best practices, and monitoring procedures.

AC and DC traction system standards
Overhead line and power supply parameters
Energy measurement and monitoring techniques
Operational practices for energy savings
Documentation for compliance and performance evaluation

Key Technical Parameters

Parameter	Description	Operational Impact
Traction Voltage	Standard AC and DC voltage levels for overhead or third rail systems	Ensures compatibility with rolling stock and stable power supply
Power Supply Infrastructure	Design and capacity of substations, transformers, and overhead lines	Supports reliable operation and energy efficiency
Energy Monitoring	Measurement of consumption, recovery, and peak loads	Optimizes operational costs and reduces environmental impact
Operational Best Practices	Driver guidance, scheduling, and regenerative braking usage	Maximizes energy savings and operational sustainability

Relationship with Other Standards

UIC 920-13 complements EN 50163 (voltage and electrification), EN 50388 (energy measurement), and ETCS operational standards.
It ensures interoperability, safe power supply, and energy-efficient operation across European railways.

Supports EN 50163 electrification voltage standards
Integrates with EN 50388 energy measurement and management
Ensures compatibility with ETCS operational protocols

Who Uses UIC Leaflet 920-13?

The standard is applied by railway infrastructure managers, energy engineers, rolling stock operators, and certification authorities to ensure safe, energy-efficient, and sustainable train operations.