Description
Although there already are some energy recovery systems for railways, such as regenerative braking systems, it is still possible to take better advantage of the energy losses that occur during the movement of railways in order to improve transport efficiency and enable new applications to improve user safety and comfort. The objective of this project is to develop an energy harvesting system able to convert part of the mechanical energy losses generated during train circulation into electrical energy ready for use in safety applications. To achieve this objective, mechanical losses produced in railways (mechanical stresses, vibrations) will be analyzed and modeled with a view to develop a device that, based on magnetostrictive materials, is able to convert mechanical losses into electrical energy ready to be use in safety applications.The developed prototypes will be installed in a test section to validate the performance and viability of the system. The possibility to recover part of energy losses produced in railways could allow for highly significant energy savings and at the same time improve transport safety.
Summary of project results
The main objective of this project is to develop an energy harvesting system able to convert part of the mechanical energy losses generated during train circulation into electricity. To achieve this objective, mechanical losses produced in railways (mechanical stresses, vibrations) were analyzed and modeled to develop a device, based magnetostrictive materials, able to convert these mechanical losses into electrical energy ready to be use in safety applications. Finally, the developed prototypes were installed in a test section to validate the performance an viability of the system. Due to the large number of railways displayed in Europe and the wide use of this means of transport, the possibility to recover part of energy losses produced in the railways could allow really significant energy saving while improving transport safety.
Summary of bilateral results
In Phase 2: SINTEF defined different types of railway platforms, respectively in Spain and Norway, to prepare the following activities for the application of the product. The information generated during this phase served to define in detail the technical tasks to develop. This is of vital importance to avoid delays and technological risks during the implementation of the project. In phase 3: Study and modeling of losses Sintef participated in measurements of vibrations for the study of the behavior of the rails. In phase 4: Design and development of energy recovery device SINTEF brought their knowledge to ensure the viability of the product in extreme conditions. In phase 6: SINTEF has tested the technology in harsh weather conditions in Norway in collaboration with the Norwegian infrastructure manager Jernbaneverket.