Railroad retains power from repurposed electric vehicle batteries - Reclaiming Old Electric Car Batteries for Railway Use
German Railways moves towards energy savings through second-life battery storage systems
In a bid to reduce electricity costs, German Railways is incorporating second-life battery storage systems made from old electric vehicle (EV) batteries in its workshops, starting with the Leipzig ICE workshop. This initiative is part of a pilot project with plans to expand to other workshops.
The system, developed by a railway-owned startup, consists of used EV batteries that have been removed from cars because they are no longer capable of powering vehicles. These modules function as storage, collecting electricity generated by solar panels installed on the workshop's roof during sunny hours. When needed for maintaining trains, the stored electricity is released.
By integrating solar power and battery storage, German Railways estimates that around a quarter of the Leipzig ICE workshop's electricity demand can be met, leading to approximately 85,000 euros in annual energy savings. This union exemplifies the potential of sustainability measures to improve profits.
With the electricity storage system in place, the utility and flexibility it offers are significant. The stored energy can be used during peak energy demand periods, potentially reducing the need to purchase electricity from the grid at higher rates. Moreover, energy can be stored when prices are lower and used when prices are higher, optimizing energy usage and reducing dependence on the grid during peak hours.
The repurposed old EV batteries not only lower upfront costs but also provide a stable power supply, reducing the risk of downtime and ensuring continuous operation of critical systems in workshops.
Following the success of the Leipzig workshop, German Railways plans to implement similar battery storage systems in other workshops, such as the Kassel workshop. They are also exploring other locations where the technology can be utilized as part of their renovation program, aimed at improving profitability.
The community policy of German Railways includes the integration of vocational training programs to accommodate the demand for technicians who can manage and maintain the second-life battery storage systems, using both environmental-science and technology principles. This vocational training could extend to other workshops, such as the Kassel workshop, as part of the company's efforts to expand the use of these energy-saving systems and improve overall profitability.
In the context of advancing science and technology, the successful implementation of this battery storage system showcases the potential for such innovations to not only contribute to energy savings but also pave the way for novel vocational training opportunities within the rail industry.
