FOREWORD 

Our first results from the demonstration are emerging thanks to the installation of the solid-state transformer SST and the adaptation of the WAMPAC* system to CIEMAT hybrid grid. Both devices were developed by CIRCE technical team. 

More specifically, the team at CIRCE have started up and reached 3,000V. They are now testing the performance of the SST with Modbus communication, emulating CIEMAT SCADA behavior. CIRCE also tested the integration of the SST in CIEMAT SCADA, reaching TRL 6-7. Recently, CIRCE has been installing the other SST in CEA demo site and CEA has been installing their SiC DC/DC converters in both demo sites (CIEMAT and CEA) to check microgrid operation. 

Over the coming months, we will be demonstrating the TIGON grid topology. This is the first step to face overcurrents and shortcut events in DC and required protection measures, taking into account system efficiency and resilience (less loss as possible). 

With the replication scenarios, we've progressed with On-board energy storage system via bidirectional DC/DC power electronic converters for Sofia metro, Bulgaria, and the HIL simulation set-up implementation for the DC district in Naantali, Finland. 

And lastly, do follow us on X and LinkedIn – where we will be providing details of our events, results and insights over the demonstration stage. 

Best wishes,

The TIGON team

*Wide Area Monitoring Protection and Control

Replicating TIGON solutions within Sofia metro system

One of TIGON's two replication demo sites is the metro (underground) train system in Bulgaria's capital Sofia.

We're currently exploring the replication of TIGON solutions for the Bulgarian metro lines in Sofia – the focus being on integrating an energy storage system to enhance efficiency and energy independence.

Currently, the metro system relies solely on the city's AC medium voltage distribution grid, with no renewable sources connected to traction substations. However, the metro trains can recover energy through regenerative braking, which is used by other trains in the network. Energy consumption from traction stations is substantial, averaging 115 MWh per day or 42,000 MWh annually.

Our solution introduces an onboard energy storage system integrated with the TIGON bidirectional DC/DC power electronic converters. This system stores energy from regenerative braking, which can be reused locally or transferred to other trains, depending on their operational condition. Additionally, we will explore the feasibility of energy exchange between different metro lines to enhance overall efficiency.

This solution improves railway resilience by compensating for voltage drops, reducing reliance on grid energy, and providing an emergency power supply. We will quantify potential energy savings and evaluate the adaptability of power and voltage levels of the TIGON power electronic converters through detailed simulations of both the metro system and its power supply network.

The outcomes aim to provide significant insights into developing a more sustainable railway network, optimising energy use, and improving overall metro system performance.

View SINNOGENES leaflet here

Fellow project holds its final event this week.

Agenda HYPERRIDE Final Demo Workshop