Schilthornbahn 20XX Project: Efficient Energy Management Concept Planned
As part of the Schilthornbahn 20XX rail project, the Schilthornbahn is investing in a new, efficient hybrid battery system. By means of stored braking energy and photovoltaics, the train can be operated completely independently for individual journeys. This can significantly reduce energy consumption peaks and energy costs.
The energy management of the new Schilthornbahn 20XX is all about sustainability: The new type of energy system uses braking and regenerative energy and is additionally supported by photovoltaics to save electricity independently and cost-effectively and make it available at the right moment. This energy management optimizes the energy demand and consumption peaks in such a way that no new, additional overhead line is necessary.
Energy efficient hybrid battery system
The concept is based on two stages: The travel programs of the railways are coordinated in such a way that the regenerative power of the downhill train is optimally linked with the motor power of the uphill train and can pull it up. A fully occupied cabin traveling downhill even has to be braked. The regenerative energy released is recovered and stored in a locally installed hybrid battery. Energy peaks are covered accordingly by this stored energy. The battery is used as an energy buffer in order to be able to obtain as constant energy as possible from the grid. In addition, it can be charged using solar energy from a photovoltaic system at the Birg station. The batteries are thus constantly charged, even if it says plant. This means that even in the event of a power failure, it is still possible to drive at reduced speed.
Cooperation with well-known partners in ropeway construction
When implementing the energy concept, the Schilthornbahn can benefit from the know-how and specialist knowledge of well-known partners, the railway builder Garaventa and Frey AG Stans in close cooperation. As a renowned control manufacturer, the latter supplies the most modern control technology with self-developed and certified control software.
Great savings in energy costs
With the new system, energy costs can even be reduced by around 10 percent despite doubling the conveying capacity. “That is very important, especially since the electricity makes up a considerable part of the operating costs,” says Christoph Egger, director of the Schilthornbahn. “The concept was first implemented on the Biel-Magglingen funicular. The Schilthornbahn will use this system as the second and to a much larger extent, ”continued Egger. In the long term, investments in the new system will be amortized within around five years. The expected service life of the batteries will be around ten years, after which a new, significantly more powerful battery generation will be available.
