Research

Decarbonisation of High-Speed Bi-Mode Trains through Optimal Power Control (Decarb)
With the scaling-back of the electrification of the UK’s railway network, novel solutions are required to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from rail transport.
Our Aim
In collaboration with industry partners Angel Trains and Great Western Railway and sponsorship from Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), this project will model both the current bi-mode electric trains, which run on electricity available from overhead lines, and on diesel powered trains, when electricity is not available. The use of advanced control methods will then be used to reduce carbon dioxide generated by these trains, reducing the carbon footprint of travelling by rail.
Our Research
Our Outcomes
Dr Will Midgley, Lecturer in Intelligent Mechatronics and Control Systems Engineering
“This is a great opportunity to work with RSSB and our industry partners to develop not only a new way of modelling these trains, but also a novel control algorithm. These tools will help to reduce the carbon dioxide generated by these bi-mode trains, helping to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint.”
