Case 1: Could our customers’ energy networks (tram/metro/train) form an integral part of the energy system?

The public electrical power network is suffering from overload and instabilities due to uncontrolled sources like solar and wind energy and extra loads like electrical car charging and heat pumps. Railway and trolleybus networks might be part of the solution to increase the total power capacity when both network can be combined. As extra advantage railway braking energy can be re-used elsewhere. 

Question to be answered :

How can railway power networks be used to support the public power network 

What barriers should be overcome and how (technically, legally, financially, commercially, safety)

Case 2: Signalling is based on two pillars, security and availability. What potential can we unlock if we add energy as a new pillar?

The 90-minute “Future of Train Travel: A Workshop on Innovative Sustainability and Safety” is designed to engage Dutch and international university students in exploring the challenges and opportunities surrounding train travel safety and sustainability. The workshop consists of a general presentation, an interactive case study, and a closing session with presentations.

The general presentation (15 minutes) will cover the history of train signaling, developments from signalman’s huts to autonomous interlocking systems, and the role of digitization and automation in train travel. A short break (5 minutes) will follow.

The interactive case study (45 minutes) will be divided into two parts. Part 1 (20 minutes) will examine the relationships between safety, automation, and sustainability, covering sustainability requirements, KPIs, SDGs, LCA impact reduction, and the state of current technology. Part 2 (25 minutes) will involve group discussions and brainstorming on various solution directions and development opportunities. Another break (10 minutes) will ensue.

The closing session (20 minutes) will include pitching of proposed solutions, a plenary conclusion and discussion on the results, comparisons with existing or desired solutions, and the announcement of the ‘winner’ with a small prize presentation. This workshop encourages interaction and deep thinking about train safety and sustainability, inviting students to explore various solutions without the constraint of right or wrong answers. Accessible to both Dutch and international students, the workshop aims to foster innovative thinking and collaboration among participants, while addressing the energy transition in the context of train travel.