Innovations in Superconducting Technology for Next-generation Railway Systems

-Development of Superconducting Cables for Railway Systems-

Abstract

DC electric railway systems are widely used in Japan, including in the metropolitan areas. However, they have some problems, such as limited use of regenerative brakes and energy loss. In order to solve those problems, and to attain energy savings for next-generation electric railway systems, we have been studying the feasibility of applying superconducting power cables to DC electric feeder systems. In this study, investigations regarding issues such as effective use of regenerative brakes and loss reduction have been carried out on the assumption that the substations concerned are connected with each other via superconducting power cables placed in parallel with the feeder line. This research was supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, JST, as part of the Strategic Promotion of Innovative Research and Development Problem.