Project information
- Acronym: ECO ENERGY
- Reduction of energy consumption and costs with new technologies or migration of electrification systems
- Sector: Rail System
- Project start date: 01/01/2024
- Duration: 24 months
- Project director: Laurent Fréchède
- Project manager: Sun Joong Kim
- Status: ongoing project
- Project code: 2024/RSF/852
Project description
This project aims to revolutionize the railway supply network by reducing energy consumption and costs through the adoption of new technologies and the migration of electrification systems. By optimizing both operational and capital expenditures (OPEX and CAPEX) related to grid connections, the project seeks to create a more efficient and sustainable rail infrastructure.
A significant focus will be on improving the Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety (RAMS) of the supply network. Enhancing RAMS will ensure a more resilient and dependable railway system, minimizing downtime and maintenance needs while maximizing safety and operational efficiency.
Additionally, the project will prioritize capacity and energy savings, enabling the network to handle more traffic. By increasing capacity and reducing energy use, the project will support the growing demand for rail transport, contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Project objectives
This project aims to leverage new technologies to enhance the efficiency and reliability of railway electrification systems. By implementing new converters equipped with semiconductors and smart grid capabilities, engineers and operators can unlock a range of benefits, including improved functionality, optimized maintenance strategies, and enhanced asset management. Three strategic use cases will be addressed: introducing new converters for fixed installations, coupling single-phase 25kV 50Hz or 15kV 16 2/3 Hz systems with three-phase grids, and enabling the coupling of various network configurations such as DC-AC, AC-AC, and AC1-AC2.
One key objective of the project is to enable the selective activation of substations based on train arrivals, reducing energy consumption and operational costs. Additionally, the project aims to facilitate voltage conversions, allowing for seamless transitions between different voltage systems, such as changing from 1.5kV to 3kV or 6kV, or transitioning to AC systems. Failure to implement these advancements could result in increased maintenance costs and less efficient resource planning for maintenance tasks, potentially leading to disruptions in railway operations and decreased system reliability.
