In the rapidly evolving world of railway technology, a groundbreaking study from the University of Oviedo is set to revolutionize how we approach the safety and reliability of on-board energy storage systems. Led by Mariam Saeed, a researcher from the Department of Electrical, Computer and System Engineering in Gijón, Spain, this innovative work addresses critical concerns in the railway industry’s shift towards advanced battery systems.
As railways worldwide embrace on-board energy storage for both new and retrofitted trains, ensuring the safety and reliability of these systems has become paramount. Traditional reliability analysis, which focuses on the physics of failure, often falls short in considering catastrophic and human-induced failures. On the other hand, risk assessment methods, while comprehensive, lack the systemic modeling needed to be applied across different converter topologies and battery configurations.
Saeed’s research, published in the IEEE Open Journal of Industrial Applications, bridges this gap by proposing a novel method for risk assessment based on systems models. This approach not only identifies and analyzes potential failure modes but also prioritizes them, making it a robust tool for enhancing the safety and reliability of railway energy storage systems.
“The proposed methodology allows us to model and assess risks in a way that is directly extendable to any converter topology or battery configuration,” Saeed explains. “This flexibility is crucial for the railway industry, where diverse systems and configurations are the norm.”
The study focuses on a multilevel converter topology integrating two series low-voltage traction batteries to the DC bus of a train. By applying the proposed risk assessment method, Saeed and her team were able to identify critical risks and potential failure modes, providing valuable insights for system optimization and safety improvements.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As railways continue to adopt on-board energy storage systems, the ability to conduct comprehensive risk assessments will be instrumental in ensuring the safety and reliability of these systems. This, in turn, can lead to increased adoption of advanced battery technologies, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Moreover, the proposed methodology’s flexibility means it can be applied to a wide range of converter topologies and battery configurations, making it a valuable tool for the broader energy sector. From electric vehicles to renewable energy integration, the principles outlined in Saeed’s research have the potential to shape future developments in energy storage and conversion technologies.
As the railway industry continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to safety and reliability. Saeed’s work, published in the IEEE Open Journal of Industrial Applications, offers a glimpse into the future of risk assessment, one where comprehensive, systemic modeling paves the way for safer, more reliable energy storage systems. The journey towards a more sustainable and efficient railway system is underway, and this research is a significant step in the right direction.