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Photo reproduced with kind permission of Domenico Giordano

Recognition for improved energy and power quality measurements that will enable the smart, energy efficient management of railway networks

The Project

Completed EMPIR project Metrology for smart energy management in electric railway systems (16ENG04, MyRails) has developed the infrastructure needed for the accurate measurement of energy exchange and power quality between the train and railway grid, under the highly dynamic conditions experienced in transit.

The project also focussed on the characterisation of the railway subsystem as a producer-consumer, able to transfer excess energy, with a view to its integration in a wider smart grid. The results will underpin the energy efficient management of Europe's railway networks, and allow upcoming EU legislation concerning railway energy management to be met.

2024 Intellectual Property Award

Project coordinator INRiM (Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica, Italy) was recently awarded the 2024 Intellectual Property Award (IPA), in the category ‘Energy’, for an innovative patent developed during the project. The patented technology is aimed at detecting electrical arcs between overhead railway lines and traction units. This award-winning technology optimises operational performance and reduces failures, contributing to a safer, more sustainable railway network.  

The award was presented to researchers Domenico Giordano and Davide Signorino (both from INRiM) in November 2024, during a ceremony which took place at Palazzo Piacentini in Rome, commemorating the 140th anniversary of the Italian Patent and Trademark Office (UIBM)

The IPA, organised by Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), recognises outstanding Italian patents to support innovation and industrial property within public research. 

The IPA rewards top patents in six key technological sectors: Medtech, Climatech, Agritech, Energy, Space Exploration, and Urban Mobility. 

This EMPIR project is co-funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the EMPIR Participating States.

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