Energy

Article 5
A wide road to hybridisation
Rail & Recherche n°40 - July/August/September 2006

Researchers in the PLATHEE project are laying the groundwork for hybrid solutions in tomorrow’s rail systems by exploring possible technologies for energy production and storage as well as energy use strategies.

The PLATHEE project has been set up to help SNCF specify its future needs and choose energy-efficient and environmentally friendly hybrid solutions.
It will start in the second half of 2006 with full-scale experiments on hybridisation for shunting operations and the use of biofuels as well as an investigation of the feasibility of other types of hybridisation in other areas. A modular demonstration platform will be ready in 2007 to test a first energy storage solution with ultracapacitors and batteries on a shunting diesel locomotive. Earlier simulations have shown that this system can reduce consumption by 30% to 50% and pollutant emissions by 30% to 70%. “The platform’s design is very modular. We are working on connections to be able to change energy production and storage components according to the configuration”, says project leader Marina Thiounn. A second architecture with a flywheel and a third with a fuel cell are to be tested in 2008. The partners in PLATHEE combine all the competencies needed to achieve its goals: SNCF, 2HEnergy (engines), ERCTEEL (electronics), ALSTOM (rail equipment) and two laboratories, LEEI and INRETS.