Metrology for smart energy management in electric railway systems

The European railway system consumes about 36.5 terawatt-hours of energy each year. To meet the ambitious EU target of reducing CO2 emissions from rail transport by 50 % by 2030, efficient use of energy across Europe's railway system is mandatory. This requires accurate and reliable knowledge of the energy exchanged between the train and the railway grid, and real-time power quality.

This project will develop the infrastructure needed for accurate measurement of energy exchange and power quality, under the highly dynamic conditions experienced in transit. The project will also focus 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