Power Systems and Energy Research

Simulation

• Single Train Simulator and Multi-Train Simulator Development: These are used by a variety of industry partners throughout the world. Researchers at the Centre include a number of programmers who are able to adapt the simulators to fit specific scenarios and novel applications.

• Simulation of railway traction systems and power supplies: We have previously worked with Alstom, London Underground and are currently working with Atkins and Singapore Land Transit Authority.
• Single train simulation: we are currently modelling the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Railway to assess the impact of new rolling stock.

Instrumentation

• We have instrumented vehicles and infrastructure on the Merseyrail network with detailed energy and vehicle performance equipment. This work was part funded by the DfT and EPSRC.
• Train sub-system monitoring, control and system integration: We have worked with the American Public Transport Association's Train Door Group, Vapour, Alstom South East Trains and Southern.
• University of Birmingham bespoke instrumentation has been used on the Merseyrail Network. We are also engaged in developing whole-system energy saving strategies for the railway.

Traction Power & Energy storage

• Regenerative braking studies and traction efficiency studies: We have previously undertaken work for MTR, Hong Kong and currently have a number of PhD students working on system modelling.
• We undertook studies for the DfT assessing the feasibility of hybrid railway vehicles for high-speed and commuter railways.
• We have laboratory equipment which can assess energy storage devices and power electronic converters; all backed up with detail vehicle simulation models.
• We have undertaken simulation studies on behalf of the Department for Transport to investigate the feasibility of a number of innovative traction systems.
• We are expert advisers for a number of railway projects including CrossRail; where we advise on systems engineering, including power supply, energy management and railway control systems.
  
  

Traffic management

• We undertake research into algorithms for energy efficient railway traffic manage­ment; which includes real time control of trajectories.

Data analysis

• We have undertaken work for ATOC - investigating the effectiveness of partial fleet fitment of energy meters.
• We have developed methodology to identify driver styles and driver characteristics from large energy and control data sets which can be used to improve driver instruction, training and reduce energy consumption.