In the bustling heart of Naples, a revolution is brewing beneath the streets. Not of the political kind, but a technological one that could reshape how cities manage their energy-hungry public transportation systems. At the helm of this innovation is Antonio Di Pasquale, a researcher from the University of Naples Federico II, who is pioneering a new approach to powering metro and light rail systems, dubbed Smart Railway Systems (SRSs).
Di Pasquale’s work, recently published in the International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, translates to the English name ‘International Journal of Electric Power & Energy Systems’, is a significant step towards integrating smart grid concepts into urban rail networks. The idea is to create a more efficient, responsive, and sustainable way to manage the power demands of metro systems, which are often among the largest energy consumers in a city.
Traditionally, metro systems have operated with a relatively simple power management strategy: substations supply power to trains, and that’s about it. But Di Pasquale envisions a more dynamic system, where a central supervisor exchanges data with various sub-systems—trains, energy storage systems, and substations—and optimizes their operation in real-time. “The goal is to create a more flexible and efficient system,” Di Pasquale explains. “One that can adapt to changing demands and optimize energy use, ultimately reducing costs and environmental impact.”
The key to this smart system lies in two proposed control strategies, both framed as optimal power flow problems. In other words, Di Pasquale is essentially teaching the metro system to solve complex mathematical problems in real-time to optimize its power use. The first strategy involves a centralized control approach, where the supervisor makes all the decisions. The second is a more decentralized approach, where local controllers have some autonomy but still follow the supervisor’s set points.
To test the effectiveness of these strategies, Di Pasquale and his team conducted a comprehensive numerical analysis using real data from Naples Line 1 metro. The results, while complex, paint a clear picture: these smart systems could significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? For one, it opens up a new market for smart grid technologies. Metro systems, with their high power demands and predictable schedules, could serve as ideal testbeds for these technologies. Moreover, the success of such systems in urban rail could pave the way for similar applications in other sectors, from industrial facilities to large commercial buildings.
But perhaps the most exciting aspect is the potential for these systems to contribute to a more sustainable future. By optimizing energy use and integrating renewable energy sources, smart railway systems could help reduce the carbon footprint of urban transportation, a significant step towards combating climate change.
As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of urbanization, energy efficiency, and sustainability, Di Pasquale’s work offers a glimpse into a smarter, more sustainable future. And it all starts with a simple idea: making our metro systems a little bit smarter.
