Simulation Framework for DC Railway Systems with Distributed EV Charging Stations, Stationary Energy Storages and Renewable Energy Sources

This paper presents a simulation-based modeling framework to evaluate the integration of distributed Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructures, stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs), and PhotoVoltaic (PV) generators into an existing DC railway system, with the specific focus on the increase of regenerative braking energy recovery and on the self-consumption of renewable energy for transportation. The model, developed using a commuter railway line in northern Italy as a case study, simulates energy flows within the integrated DC railway system in three configurations, with the addition of: (1) EV charging stations, (2) EV charging stations and local BESS, and (3) EV charging stations combined with BESS and PV generators. The simulations quantify the impact of each configuration on the recovery of regenerative braking energy. Results show that adding storage significantly increases the recovery and local use of regenerative energy, while PV integration further enhances system self-consumption. The study demonstrates the potential of DC railway systems to improve energy efficiency through strategic co-location of transport and energy infrastructures.