MERLIN

Sustainable and intelligent management of energy for smarter railway systems in Europe: an integrated optimisation approach

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'MERLIN’s main aim and purpose is to investigate and demonstrate the viability of an integrated management system to achieve a more sustainable and optimised energy usage in European electric mainline railway systems. MERLIN will provide an integrated optimisation approach that includes multiple elements, dynamic forecasting supply-demand scenarios and cost considerations to support operational decisions leading to a cost-effective intelligent management of energy and resources through: • Improved design of existing and new railway distribution networks and electrical systems as well as their interfaces with the public grid and considering network interconnections • Better understanding of the influence on energy demand of operations and operational procedures of the different elements of the railway system • Identification of technologies and solutions able to further contribute to the optimisation of energy usage • More efficient traction energy supply based on optimised use of resources • Understanding of the cross-dependency between these different technological solutions to define optimum combinations for optimised energy usage • Improving cost effectiveness of the overall railway system • Contribution to European standardisation (TecRec) MERLIN will also deliver the interface protocol and the architecture for energy management systems in the railway domain, combining the technical development with new business model that would enable and foster their application.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Europe's electric mainline railway systems provide an important service to individuals and businesses. Energy management solutions can enhance their sustainability, and a large EU-funded consortium plans to deliver a roadmap for implementation.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

No individual supplier, operator or infrastructure manager can develop a pan-European railway energy management system (REM-S). A consortium of 18 partners representing major stakeholders across Europe is working together on the EU-funded project http://www.merlin-rail.eu/ (MERLIN) to provide a solution.

The task is quite challenging, but the team is well-organised and moving ahead. Partners characterised the main railway networks in Europe, defining infrastructures, sub-systems and components. As there are currently no applicable standards, scientists evaluated the standardisation and calibration of energy meters and data communication from on-board energy meters to smart grid components.

In order to get a better handle on the current situation, researchers developed a graphical depiction of overall energy flow. Energy consumption maps were made for the railway power supply systems of representative networks in Spain, France, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Five case studies in four European countries are helping evaluate various aspects of improved energy management. The high-speed network from Paris to Lyon is included to evaluate the introduction of an energy storage system (ESS) to improve line capacity. Scientists are working on minimising power losses and enhancing punctuality and delivery during peak power demands in Swedish inter-city systems.

Introduction of an ESS to suburban service in Spain that already exploits rheostatic braking (converting kinetic energy into electrical energy) will be evaluated to enable more efficient traction energy. Finally, two scenarios from the United Kingdom are included, one to use electrified or diesel vehicles and one to implement new contractual arrangements.

Partners have developed the first draft of the reference architecture for the REM-S based on the Smart Grid Architecture Model. They have also defined the information exchange protocol between components, and defined the structure of the decision-making tool that will support fulfilment of REM-S objectives.

MERLIN is developing the components and management tools necessary for efficient energy resource management on European electric railways. Standardisation will make an important contribution to future development, implementation and effectiveness. Finally, optimised energy management for reduced consumption could lead to cost savings passed on to consumers in the form of reduced fares.