The battery system is being developed as part of the MOSENAS project, which stands for “modular, scalable energy storage for sustainable local rail passenger transport.” Stadler, alongside its partners, is currently developing a demonstrator of the concept by undertaking comprehensive tech monitoring and computer simulations for battery life and components.
Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport is supporting this project with an investment of around €5.3 million.
According to Stadler, the unique thing about this project is that the team is investigating how different battery types can be used for different performance characteristics. They hope to develop a battery system which can be adapted in terms of performance and capacity to meet operational requirements, saving weight, and therefore reducing the energy consumption of the trains.
The battery systems could be tailored to “vehicle rotations, operating times, and charging infrastructure,” Stadler noted in a release. “This will also allow the expected service life of the battery to be optimized,” it added.
Due to its modular nature, the battery system can also be integrated with the latest battery and fuel cell technologies. Furthermore, with safety in mind, the MOSENAS project team is developing concepts for warning indicators, which detect and monitor critical battery conditions. The team is also creating efficient fire protection strategies by investigating the correct storage of battery modules.
The MOSENAS team is also exploring the optimal charging infrastructure, including looking at how second-use batteries in stationary storage systems can be used and how, with the help of “sector coupling” systems for generating renewable energy can be integrated.