Research short

RSSB research is providing strategic insight needed to introduce more electric and battery trains on the GB rail network and how to manage their energy needs.

How we’re preparing industry for decarbonisation

Aaron Barrett
Head of Research Delivery, RSSB

Aaron joined RSSB in 2018. As Head of Research Delivery, he is responsible for research and implementation activities in RSSB’s Research directorate. He works cross-industry and cross-discipline to deliver new innovations and knowledge, resulting in the adoption of new solutions and operation processes in GB rail.

Rail, like many other industries in GB, has already started down the path towards net-zero. But even now, many diesel-only passenger vehicles are running on the network. The time has come to start phasing these out in favour of electric and battery-powered alternatives.

Battery trains will inevitably bring unique operational challenges, including—for longer journeys—the need to charge up mid-service. So, how do we get to that point?

Bring on the battery trains…

Our research team recently wrapped up two projects designed to help us identify the next best steps towards decarbonation. One looked at what would be needed to introduce battery-powered vehicles to the network safely and efficiently.

Among other things, it asked how to establish standard systems for powering battery trains that would allow enough flexibility for ‘location-specific’ requirements.

For instance, while it would be ideal for these trains to take power from existing overhead lines, a low-power, ground-based solution may be needed where the national grid can’t supply enough power.

Our full report lays out our recommendations on how to balance these needs. However, introducing battery trains is one thing. Ensuring that they have sufficient energy to run through the service, including at times of peak energy demand, is another thing.

Want to learn more?

To read the results of this project (T1272) in full, head to our Research Catalogue.

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…and keep them moving

We also looked at the feasibility of ‘smart traction energy management’ on the Western route.

Some areas of the country’s existing traction power network are already maxed out during peak demand times. So, with the increase of electric and battery-powered trains on the network, being able to forecast and manage power capacity will be vital.

Over the past few years, the pace of technological advancement on the railway has been staggering. With so many digital solutions already available, our research team found that it would be fairly simple to implement a system that could do this—and at little cost.

We’ve shown how power supply information could connect to an energy management module and function within existing Traffic Management Systems. In turn, this information can feed into Connected-Driver Advisory Systems. This would make essential power supply information easily available and accessible to drivers within the cab.

Our analysis revealed that introducing a system like this could have benefits of more than £7m over a period of 20 years. And that’s only the direct benefits. It doesn’t account for the value of things like reduced uncertainty around power supply planning and investment.

Because the Western route already has capabilities that would enable a system like this, there would be little cost involved in introducing one there. For this reason, it would very likely deliver a net benefit.

Want to learn more?

To read the results of this project (T1270) in full, head to our Research Catalogue.

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