Metropolitan Philadelphia’s transit will be using energy from train brakes to assist in powering the transit system and adding to the region’s electricity grid.
As generator-equipped subway trains apply their brakes, the energy that is created will be sent to a battery for storage. The stored power can then be used to power accelerating trains or sold to the grid. The energy from braking trains could cut the subway’s electricity bills by as much as 40 percent.
Power-Generating Subway Stops
Energy from Train Brakes to Fuel Philadelphia Grid
Trend Themes
1. Brake Energy Generation - Opportunity for other transit systems with similarly equipped subway trains to generate and store energy from train brakes.
2. Energy Storage - Opportunity for companies to develop and manufacture efficient battery technology for storing excess energy.
3. Smart Grid Innovation - Opportunity for utilities to integrate decentralized energy systems, such as subway brake energy, into their smart grid infrastructure.
Industry Implications
1. Public Transit - Transit systems can reduce their electricity bills and generate additional revenue by implementing brake energy generation technology.
2. Battery Manufacturing - Companies that manufacture efficient battery technology can benefit from increased demand for energy storage solutions.
3. Utility Companies - Smart grid technology companies can help utilities integrate decentralized energy systems into their infrastructure.