By Celsias Team
Posted on Sept. 3, 2010. Listed in:
The energy expended from braking trains is set to be put to good use thanks to a project that harvests energy from the braking and then feeds the resultant electricity into the power grid.
The pilot project by Viridity Energy, a Philadelphia-based smart grid company, has received a US$900,000 (NZ$1.25 million) grant for the project with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).
So how does it all work? Viridity’s software optimisation system allows SEPTA to recycle the energy created from the regenerative braking ability of trains and trolleys at a high-use propulsion substation in Philadelphia. SEPTA will capture (through the installation of a large-scale battery) and use power that would be otherwise wasted while reducing its electricity consumption to install a large-scale battery to capture the energy from regenerative braking of trains.
By reducing its use of electricity generated on the grid, the project will help SEPTA decrease its carbon emissions by 1,258 tons per year. In addition to the environmental benefits, along with using less electricity and reducing operating costs, the project is also expected to generate revenues through participation in wholesale power markets.
SEPTA expect to generate approximately US$500,000 ($NZ698, 000) in economic value for the agency. All going well, the pilot could lead to potential deployment at all 38 SEPTA substations.
The State of Pennsylvania awarded the funding through the 2010 Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) grant program.
Image: Flickr - cod_gabriel
