Development of an Innovative Energy Management System for a Railway Smart Grid

The anticipated growth in railway traffic in the coming years primarily affects the 350 Direct Current substations in France, which suffer from a relatively low voltage level of 1500V. This situation limits the power of the locomotives and prompts stakeholders in the electrification system to seek inno-vative solutions to ensure the necessary energy supply. One of the solutions considered is the integration of solar energy production systems and storage systems within the fixed electric traction installations. In this context, a novel collaborative project with a group of industrial and academic partners called RACCORD proposes an innovative solution by suggesting the integration of solar energy production and energy storage systems within the fixed electric traction installations. This approach aims to strengthen the network, increase the voltage in the catenary, reduce the carbon footprint, and improve the efficiency and capacity of transport networks. This paper develops a model and an innovative method for energy management of this railway smart grid. Finally, a simulation analysis was conducted to evaluate the operation of this railway smart grid.