Buses

In Germany, trains are an important part of citizen’s mobility mix and for the transport of goods and merchandise. However, only about 60 percent of the route kilometers in local rail passenger transport (SPNV) are electrified. This necessitates the use of diesel-powered trains in regional rail transport. In order to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from the rail sector and at the same time avoid expensive infrastructure expansion, rail companies must promote the use of trains with alternative drive concepts, such as battery or hydrogen trains on non-electrified lines.

How RLI can help

RLI can help to plan infrastructure needed for operations. For this purpose, the institute has developed the Giro tool to investigate in a technology-open way the operation of alternative drive concepts in regional rail transport. It helps to develop an optimal strategy for the installation of overhead contact line, charging and H2 tank infrastructure on site. Our researchers use it, for example, to digitally map route and timetable data and evaluate operation simulatively. Simulations of all trains (simultaneously, time-resolved) in a network area are also possible. This makes it easier to understand energy consumption and the vehicles' energy storage state of charge over the course of the day.

 

Contact

JB3

Julian Brendel

Researcher

 

MS

Moritz Schiel

Researcher

Das Bild zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines Netzwerks: Links und rechts sind jeweils drei miteinander verbundene Punkte. IN der Mitte des Netzwerks ist ein ZUg mit einem Blitz obendrauf.

Digitization of timetable and route data

Where are the trains located during the course of the day and what are the requirements of the route?
Das Bild zeigt eine Lupe, durch die ein Pfeil geht. in der Mitte der Lupe ist ein Graph mit einem Höhepunkt und einem Tiefpunkt.

Demand analysis

How much energy do trains consume in a particular network area and what other boundary conditions are decisive for the energy demand?
Das Bild zeigt ein Zahnrad in einem Kreis mit Pfeilen

Infrastructure optimization

On which sections of track or at which stations do trains need to be supplied with energy to ensure operation?
Das Bild zeigt das Piktogramm eines Computerbildschirms. Darauf sind vertikale Balken abgebildet. Darüber ist ein Auge.

Visualization of the results

Illustration of the investigated network with regard to the charging states of the energy storage of trains with alternative drives.

Sample projects

Highlight

All projects
Das Bild zeigt eine schematische Darstellung: Ein elektrischer Zug in einem Kreis, links des Zuges ein Symbol für Wasserstoff, rechts des Zuges ein Batteriesymbol. Hinter dem Zug liegt ein Schraubenschlüssel.

Investigation of alternative drive concepts in German local rail passenger transport

RLI investigates electric and hydrogen-powered alternatives in local rail transport, using a simulation tool, which can simulate, visualize and optimize needed infrastructure.