In a significant stride towards enhancing the energy efficiency of electric road systems (ERS), researchers have unveiled a novel approach to harnessing regenerative braking energy from platoons of electric vehicles (EVs). This innovative method, detailed in a study published in the *Journal of Electrical Systems in Transportation*, could pave the way for more sustainable and cost-effective transportation networks.
At the heart of this research is the concept of driving EVs in closely spaced platoons, a configuration that not only reduces the drag coefficient of each vehicle but also enables the collective recuperation of braking energy. “By implementing this driving strategy, we can substantially decrease the power demanded from the grid and improve the overall energy efficiency of the ERS,” explains Saleh A. Ali, lead author of the study and a researcher at the School of Engineering.
The study utilises Simulink to model an ERS featuring two EV platoons, simulating power flow within the system and assessing various technologies for regenerative energy recuperation. The findings highlight the potential of this approach to safeguard the network from overvoltage, a common challenge in ERSs. “We introduced a control technique for efficient management of regenerative energy, which was validated through experiments using dedicated software designed for emulating regenerative braking energy in DC railway applications,” Ali adds.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are profound. By optimizing the recuperation of regenerative braking energy, ERSs can reduce their reliance on the grid, leading to significant cost savings and a smaller carbon footprint. Moreover, this approach could be particularly beneficial for urban areas, where the frequent stopping and starting of vehicles offer ample opportunities for energy recuperation.
The study’s findings also shed light on the potential of platooning as a strategy for enhancing the energy efficiency of ERSs. As Ali notes, “This driving configuration not only reduces the drag coefficient of each vehicle but also enables the collective recuperation of braking energy, making it a win-win solution for both the environment and the economy.”
In the broader context, this research could shape future developments in the field of ERSs, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient transportation networks. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy security, innovations like this offer a glimmer of hope, demonstrating the power of technology to drive positive change.
The study, titled “Regenerative Braking Energy Recovery From a Platoon Powered by a DC Electric Road System,” was published in the Journal of Electrical Systems in Transportation, a publication dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of electrical systems in transportation.