Simulation and Analysis of Energy Concepts for Rail Vehicles (Design and Operation)
The energy flow in rail vehicle operations involves a wide range of complex processes from energy supply at charging stations or refueling points, through intelligent management of energy carriers (e.g., batteries and fuel cells), to the efficient use of energy for traction and powering onboard consumers such as climate control systems. For cost-effective, demand-oriented system design and efficient operation, a holistic analysis of the entire energy chain is essential.
Motivation
Operators face the challenge of integrating alternative propulsion concepts into existing infrastructure, often without extensive operational experience with these new technologies. In this context, data-driven, holistic planning becomes crucial: based on operational requirements and existing infrastructure, both cost-efficient system design and any necessary infrastructure adaptations must be derived.
During the operation of alternative propulsion systems, there is also a growing need for systematic collection and analysis of fleet data to identify optimization potentials. By simulating real-world operational processes, efficiency, energy consumption, and operational strategies can be rapidly evaluated. This enables the identification of weaknesses and the development of targeted measures for energy savings, as well as the optimization of charging and refueling processes, driving strategies, timetables, and maintenance planning.
Research Portfolio
Building on our extensive experience in modeling with Python, MATLAB, Simulink, and Dymola, we develop digital system models with virtual component representations to generate robust knowledge for sustainable and demand-oriented rail transport solutions.
Our modular, multi-level Python framework pySimRail enables the digital representation of the entire operational process of (alternatively powered) rail vehicles. It integrates detailed sub-models for:
- Longitudinal dynamics to simulate vehicle motion,
- Passenger compartment model with a focus on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC),
- Energy management system for intelligent power distribution and efficient, component-preserving operation (e.g., of batteries and fuel cells),
- Refueling model for hydrogen-powered trains.
Our approach supports stakeholders both in the concept phase—by aiding the development of cost-effective vehicle and infrastructure concepts—and during ongoing operations, through a comprehensive service for capturing, analyzing, and optimizing real-world operational data from alternative propulsion systems.
Projects
Publications
- To be presented at World Congress of Railway Research 2025
- electronic library - The FCH2RAIL Project: A Demonstration of a Modular Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack
- electronic library - Efficient Air Conditioning of Battery-Electric Multiple Units (BEMU): Modeling and Optimization
- electronic library - IRSA 2023 Proceedings: Comparison of simulative methods for dimensioning of fuel cell-battery hybrid powertrains in FCH2Rail and VirtualFCS
- electronic library - Standardized Sizing for Alternative Drivetrains in Rail Vehicles: A Modular Approach for Enhanced Efficiency and Cost Reduction