Italian Startup Trials PV Sleepers on Railway Lines: Innovating Track Infrastructure

Italian Startup Trials PV Sleepers on Railway Lines: From 2018 to 2019, Greenrail Group has been testing PV on railway sleepers in Emilia Romagna, Italy, between Modena and Sassuolo.

“We designed the photovoltaic sleepers following the UNI 10349 standard,” CEO Emanuele Occhipinti told pv magazine. “These prototypes are part of an experimental section that has demonstrated positive results in terms of effectiveness.”

According to Occhipinti, the sleepers are easy to assemble and clean.

Using a trolley with brushes and a water jet mounted underneath, 1 km of solar railway can be cleaned in a few minutes, saving time and resources compared to cleaning a standard PV plant.

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Using optimized solar systems, Australian researchers have demonstrated how free electric vehicle charging facilities can reduce grid demand.

A series of periodic tests were conducted by Greenrail for six months to evaluate energy efficiency, weather resistance, and impact on railway operations. According to the company, preliminary results indicate that the solar sleeper solution is effective and solid.

In terms of energy efficiency and their ability to withstand rail operating conditions, the preliminary feedback received is very encouraging, Occhipinti said.

One kilometer of solar sleepers will generate 44 MWh per year, which can be sold to the grid or used to power railway stations in remote areas, level crossings, and traffic lights.

By integrating photovoltaic modules into Greenrail railway sleepers, we transform railways into high-productivity power plants of sustainable energy, according to Occhipinti. In addition, we demonstrate our commitment to environmental sustainability by using recycled rubber and plastic to make sleepers.

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