IF articles

Summary - The present study analyses the energy recovery benefits that could be obtained by converting conventional electrical substations to make them reversible, both for conventional traction systems and for systems integrated with linear motors. The main substation modifications needed for the conversion are identified and a possible working scheme is suggested for the innovative reversible substation. To contribute useful elements for a preliminary assessment of the effectiveness, a simulation was developed on a steeply graded line travelled downhill by heavy freight trains. The use of reversible electrical substations would enable energy recovery independently of the presence of other trains. The use of linear motors in support of the usual adhesion motors would allow traction and braking force supplementation,
respectively for steep uphill and downhill sections. The theoretical results obtained are the quantification, for a specific case, of the innovations’ energy saving potential,
as a basis for the quantification of their economic benefits and in support of future broader technical-economical analyses.

https://www.medra.org/servlet/view?lang=it&doi=10.57597/IF.09.2026.ART.1