Hybrid Energy Storage System Taking Advantage of Electric Vehicle Batteries for Recovering Regenerative Braking Energy in Railway Station

Nowadays, nations are moving toward the electrification of the transportation section, and the widespread development of EV charging stations and their infrastructures supplied by the grid would strain the power grid and lead to overload issues in the network. To address this challenge, this paper presents a method for utilizing the braking energy of trains in railway stations to charge EVs located in strategic areas like park-and-ride regions close to railway stations improving energy efficiency and preventing grid overload. To validate the feasibility of the proposed system, a metro substation in Milan city is considered as a case study located in outskirts of the city and contains large number of parking space for vehicles. Three different scenarios are evaluated including DC fast charging station, AC low charging station and collaborative hybrid energy storage based AC charging station as EV charging station type. The results are studied for different EV population number, charging rate and the contractual power grid. Meanwhile, the possibility of proposed system in participating as V2G technology and taking advantage of the EV’s batteries to provide ancillary support to accelerating trains is investigated regarding peak shaving objective. The results indicated that the suggested interconnected system operates effectively when a significant quantity of EVs are parked at the station. However, the results revealed that the performance of the proposed system is notably influenced by other factors and a limited number of EVs during the early morning and late evening periods. Overall, this study confirms the feasibility of energy transfer between two types of transportation means in intermodal areas

Optimizing speed profiles for sustainable train operation with wayside energy storage systems

Large hauling capability and low rolling resistance has put rail transit at the forefront of mass transportation mode sustainability in terms of congestion mitigation and energy conservation. As such, rail vehicles are one of the least energy-intensive modes of transportation and least environmentally polluting. Despite, these positives, improper driving habits and wastage of the braking energy through dissipation in braking resistors result in unnecessary consumption, extra costs to the operator and increased atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions. This study presents an intelligent method for the optimization of the number and locations of wayside energy storage system (WESS) units that maximize the net benefits of the operation of a rail line. First, the optimized speed profiles with and without WESS is determined for a single alignment segment. Then, using the speed profiles obtained as an input, the number and locations of the WESS units that maximize the net benefit is determined for an entire rail line. The energy recovery methods used comprise optimal coasting, regenerative braking, and positioning of the energy storage devices to achieve maximum receptivity. Coasting saves energy by maintaining motion with propulsion disabled, but this increases the total travel time. Regenerative braking converts the kinetic energy of the train into electrical energy for the powering of subsequent acceleration cycles and although it does not affect travel time, it reduces the time available for coasting, indicative of a tradeoff. The study entails the design of a model that simulates the movement of the train over an existing alignment section while considering alignment topography, speed limits, and train schedule. Since on-time performance is the priority of railroad operations, the simulator instructs the driver to operate according to several motion regimes to optimize the energy consumption while maintaining schedule. The model consists of several time-varying inputs which add increased levels of complexity to the problem. This, in addition to its combinatorial nature, necessitates a heuristic algorithm to solve it, because traditional analytical solution methods are deficient. The optimization problem is solved by applying Genetic Algorithms (GA) because of their ability to search for a global solution in a complex multi-dimensional space. This strategy adds sustainability and reduces the carbon footprint of the operator. A case study is conducted on a single segment of a commuter rail line and yields a 34% energy reduction. The case study is extended to an entire line with multiple segments where the aim is to optimize the locations of wayside energy storage devices (WESS) for maximum economic benefit. It was found that out of the 10 alignment segments in the study, a maximized benefit of over $600,000 was achieved with WESS units installed on only three of those segments. The methods derived in this study can be used to generate speed profiles for planning purposes, to assist in recovery from service disruptions, to plan for infrastructural upgrades related to energy harvesting or to assist in the development of Driver Advisory Systems (DAS)

A review on power electronics technologies for electric mobility

Concerns about greenhouse gas emissions are a key topic addressed by modern societies worldwide. As a contribution to mitigate such effects caused by the transportation sector, the full adoption of electric mobility is increasingly being seen as the main alternative to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which is supported by positive industry indicators, despite some identified hurdles. For such objective, power electronics technologies play an essential role and can be contextualized in different purposes to support the full adoption of electric mobility, including on-board and off-board battery charging systems, inductive wireless charging systems, unified traction and charging systems, new topologies with innovative operation modes for supporting the electrical power grid, and innovative solutions for electrified railways. Embracing all of these aspects, this paper presents a review on power electronics technologies for electric mobility where some of the main technologies and power electronics topologies are presented and explained. In order to address a broad scope of technologies, this paper covers road vehicles, lightweight vehicles and railway vehicles, among other electric vehicles.This work has been supported by FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia with-in the Project Scope: UID/CEC/00319/2020. This work has been supported by the FCT Project DAIPESEV PTDC/EEI-EEE/30382/2017, and by the FCT Project new ERA4GRIDs PTDC/EEI-EEE/30283/2017. Tiago Sousa is supported by the doctoral scholarship SFRH/BD/134353/2017 granted by FCT

Power Quality in Electrified Transportation Systems

"Power Quality in Electrified Transportation Systems" has covered interesting horizontal topics over diversified transportation technologies, ranging from railways to electric vehicles and ships. Although the attention is chiefly focused on typical railway issues such as harmonics, resonances and reactive power flow compensation, the integration of electric vehicles plays a significant role. The book is completed by some additional significant contributions, focusing on the interpretation of Power Quality phenomena propagation in railways using the fundamentals of electromagnetic theory and on electric ships in the light of the latest standardization efforts

Optimal Control of Hybrid Systems and Renewable Energies

This book is a collection of papers covering various aspects of the optimal control of power and energy production from renewable resources (wind, PV, biomass, hydrogen, etc.). In particular, attention is focused both on the optimal control of new technologies and on their integration in buildings, microgrids, and energy markets. The examples presented in this book are among the most promising technologies for satisfying an increasing share of thermal and electrical demands with renewable sources: from solar cooling plants to offshore wind generation; hybrid plants, combining traditional and renewable sources, are also considered, as well as traditional and innovative storage systems. Innovative solutions for transportation systems are also explored for both railway infrastructures and advanced light rail vehicles. The optimization and control of new solutions for the power network are addressed in detail: specifically, special attention is paid to microgrids as new paradigms for distribution networks, but also in other applications (e.g., shipboards). Finally, optimization and simulation models within SCADA and energy management systems are considered. This book is intended for engineers, researchers, and practitioners that work in the field of energy, smart grid, renewable resources, and their optimization and control

Research Into Options for Reducing Energy Consumption Across the Luas Network

The aim of this research has been to identify the energy consumption requirements of the Luas network, and present practical, cost effective solutions to reducing this energy consumption. To satisfy this, Luas energy consumption data was gathered from a number of sources including the manipulation of existing Luas systems such as PS Scada, the installation of new systems including Powersoft and the specific testing of Luas rolling stock and infrastructure components. Evaluation of this data and the establishment of the Luas energy load allowed for the identification of areas where excessive energy was being consumed. New technologies, industry best practices and efficient operational procedures throughout the European light rail industry were researched and investigated to determine their feasibility for implementation on the Luas light rail network. The energy reduction solutions identified as part of this research include modifications to existing systems such as the Luas passenger saloon heating and ventilation system which has the capacity to save over 1,400,000 kWh of energy and the installation of efficient lighting technologies such as LED’s and Induction lighting which would result in a saving of over 429,667 kWh of energy per year. Specific testing also took place to establish and develop optimal driving styles for Luas vehicles which has the potential to reduce total traction power by 5%. Efficient operational processes including a depot energy management process were devised and implemented during this research and have resulted in energy reductions at both Luas depots of 60%. Long term sustainability solutions such as renewable energy generation and energy storage systems were also consulted and evaluated to determine their suitability for Luas. In total the energy reduction solutions identified as a result of this research have the potential to reduce Luas energy consumption by 3,200,000 kWh, representing a 15% reduction of total Luas energy. The research results and related recommendations have been made to the research partners through this thesis

Infrastructure Design, Signalling and Security in Railway

Railway transportation has become one of the main technological advances of our society. Since the first railway used to carry coal from a mine in Shropshire (England, 1600), a lot of efforts have been made to improve this transportation concept. One of its milestones was the invention and development of the steam locomotive, but commercial rail travels became practical two hundred years later. From these first attempts, railway infrastructures, signalling and security have evolved and become more complex than those performed in its earlier stages. This book will provide readers a comprehensive technical guide, covering these topics and presenting a brief overview of selected railway systems in the world. The objective of the book is to serve as a valuable reference for students, educators, scientists, faculty members, researchers, and engineers

The use of static frequency converter feeder stations and a new control strategy enabling mesh feeding for 50 Hz AC railways

Railways around the globe are rapidly growing as the passenger numbers surge due to the increasing requirements for connectivity and cleaner methods for transport. To accommodate the current and future demand, new and existing lines are being built and updated. Electrification has been identified as key to achieve sustainable railways, yet solutions have remained unchanged for decades. Although efficient, conventional electrification systems are inflexible and limit the application of multi-source power solutions. Static Frequency Converters (SFCs) are an alternative to conventional transformer-based electrification systems which provide a more highly interconnected electrification solution, due to their controllability, which potentially allows increased operational flexibility and robustness. Early static converter deployments for 16.7 Hz supplies the potential for dual-end feeding, however, due to the novelty of the SFC technology and its application to railways, a full mesh-feeding solution has not yet been explored. In this thesis, the author considers the deployment of SFC technologies within the 50 Hz, 25 kV, railway and the application of smart control strategies in deploying the mesh feeding concept. Comparative studies using mathematical models and computational simulations representing the electrification infrastructure and the moving trains have been carried out, in considerable detail, using code written in MATLAB Script. The mathematical modelling of the traction system is based on a lumped parameter modelling approach. These studies show that the application of SFCs requires lower rated feeder stations and provides increased operational flexibility and fault tolerance, while not suffering from the power quality issues associated with conventional transformer-based systems. In optimised deployments, SFC feeder station ratings and transmission losses can be reduced even further. Additionally, it has been shown that the use of a smart control system for mesh feeding increases flexibility in the locations available for efficient deployment of the feeder stations. An economic evaluation has demonstrated that SFCs are financially beneficial over a 50-year lifespan, with the novel control system introduced in this thesis proving beneficial, both economically and technically. As the technology is evolving, it is anticipated that economic and operational benefits will increase, and the flexibility associated with SFC solutions is expected to support advances in wider railway electrification, including the deployment of railway smart grids. A roadmap anticipating the wider technology development is therefore also presented

Optimized energy management strategies and sizing of hybrid storage systems for transport applications

205 p. El contenido del capítulo 4, sección 4.3 está sujeto a confidencialidad.Esta tesis doctoral aborda la temática acerca del óptimo dimensionamiento y operación de sistemashíbridos de almacenamiento de energía (HESS), combinando baterías y supercapacitores, con el objetivode ser integrados en vehículos para movilidad pública en entornos urbanos. Por una parte, se propone unainnovadora estrategia energética, basada en lógica difusa, para gestionar la división de la demanda depotencia entre las fuentes de energía disponibles a bordo del vehículo. La estrategia adaptativa que sepropone evalúa la información energética actual y futura (estimada) para adaptar, de una formaoptimizada y eficiente, la operación del sistema con el objetivo de mejorar el aprovechamiento de laenergía almacenada en los recursos a bordo del vehículo.Por otro lado, se ha propuesto una metodología para la co-optimización de la estrategia de gestión ydimensionamiento del HESS. Esta metodología de optimización evalúa tanto técnica comoeconómicamente las posibles soluciones mediante un problema multi-objetivo basado en algoritmosgenéticos. Para determinar el costo de reemplazo del HESS han sido aplicados modelo de envejecimientoy estimación de vida y se ha considerado la vida útil del vehículo.Con el objetivo de validar la propuesta de esta tesis doctoral, dos casos de estudio relevantes en latransportación pública han sido seleccionados: Tranvía Eléctrico Híbrido y Autobús Eléctrico Híbrido