Path-oriented design for flywheels in trains to cut train energy consumption and operational costs

Electric trains have become a crucial component of urban transportation systems, offering advantages in reducing environmental pollution. However, the high energy demands associated with their operation present a significant challenge. Fortunately, recent advancements in the rail transport industry have enabled a substantial portion of the energy consumed by trains during braking to be regenerated. However, due to the lack of synchronization between trains at station entrances and exits in many rail systems, it is often not possible to immediately use this recovered energy. The flywheel energy storage system (FESS) is one such solution, recognized as an effective and environmentally friendly option in rail transport. The storage process is achieved when the flywheel reaches a specific high rotational speed. In other words, the higher the flywheel's speed and moment of inertia, the minimum energy losses within the system. In addition, the more energy is stored, which results in lower train energy consumption. In this paper, a novel optimization method based on specific characteristics of the path between stations for the flywheel is proposed. This leads to an increase in system capacity. Multiple inequality constraints are considered in the optimization process. To evaluate the impact of the optimized FESS on reducing train energy consumption, actual data from multiple railway networks were used. According to the simulation results, the train's energy consumption along the route varied and depended on the train's weight. However, train energy consumption decreased by ۳۵ to ۴۰ percent on average. Furthermore, due to the practical nature of the proposed plan, its economic aspects have been assessed in terms of global energy prices.

کلیدواژه ها:

Advanced Energy Storage ، FESS Energy loss ، Path-oriented design ، Train Energy Management