The aim of this project is adapting a
magnetic flywheel to peak power shaving in railway applications. The research needed to accomplish to goal focuses on two
parts, namely magnetic
optimization of the magnetic flywheel and electronic energy storage load
profile support and control strategy.
For the magnetic optimization
of the magnetic flywheel, the research will focus on optimizing the magnetic
bearing, as this is the key to lifetime extension and higher efficiency.
Magnetic bearings have been researched for many years for various applications,
maybe most famously in the MagLev trains. We use advanced 3D
numerical modelling of the current magnetic bearing combined with optimization
schemes for permanent magnet devices previously developed, and currently being
developed at DTU Energy, to improve the magnetic bearing design.
For the electronic energy
storage load profile support and control strategy the research will focus on
developing an efficient power electronic system for the flywheel. Ideally, the
flywheel would draw somewhat constant power from the overlaying system while
supplying surges of power when trains operate. An essential aspect of an effective
implementation of this is control of the flywheel, i.e. when and how to charge
the flywheel, when and how to compensate for load demand etc. In order to
understand the response of the flywheel and the system, the railway system will
be modeled and implemented in the state of the art Real Time Digital Simulator.
Finally, Hardware-In-The-Lab platform tests on the optimal control will be conducted
with load profiles acquired at field in order to verify the performance of the
control. Following successful validations, the load profiles will be varied to
gain better understanding how the system performs in verity of load scenarios.