European distribution networks and light-railway networks present common issues as they both have been developed as independent networks, relying on the resilience and robustness of existing power supplies. However, Renewable Energy Sources (RES) progressive penetration introduced an increasing degree of uncertainty on the direction of power flows.
In this context, both networks are looking at innovative solutions to:
- reduce electricity losses
- increase the grid stability in a high local RES penetration scenario
- accommodate the needs of new energy actors such as prosumers, EVs and electrical storages.
Electrified transport networks such as light railways could act to enhance distribution grid stability providing ancillary services inter-exchanging electricity.
E-LOBSTER aims to develop an innovative, economically viable and easily replicable electric Transport-Grid Inter-Connection System that will be able to establish synergies between power distribution networks, electrified transport networks (metro, trams, light railways etc.) and charging stations for EVs.
In particular, the system will be managed by an integrated Railway + Grid Management System which starting from the real time analysis of energy losses will be able to optimize the interexchange of electricity between the networks maximizing local RES self-consumption.
The hardware and software control platform will be demonstrated at TRL 6 in one substation of Metro de Madrid.
