Technology

Affirma Energy and Isofoton, both of which are Affirma Group companies, are working with ADIF (Spain’s railway network operator) as lead partner on a project to develop electric vehicle charging stations powered by the railways. The charging stations are designed to harness the energy generated by trains under braking and return power to the rail network’s overhead lines, supplemented by solar panels. This project is supported by the Innpacto research programme.

The advantage of this system is that it is located near to railway lines, which usually follow the main road network, thereby guaranteeing supply for electric vehicles almost anywhere in Spain.

According to Affirma and Isofoton, both the railway-powered and solar charging stations will be covered with canopies fitted with photovoltaic panels mounted on smart solar tracking systems to maximise system performance. The panels incorporate technology developed by Isofoton over 30 years. Meanwhile, the tracking systems will be designed specifically for this project and will be fully integrated into the canopies, which will be a first. The power generated will provide a back-up supply for the fast, direct current charging system, which will be connected to the overhead lines of Spain’s railway network.

The Affirma Group declares that the concept is perfectly exportable and that authorities in other countries have already shown an interest in it.

For additional information:
www.isofoton.com