| Abstract [eng] |
This master's thesis analyses the potential for integrating renewable energy sources (RES) into railway switch heating systems, aiming to contribute to the implementation of strategic projects developed by LTG Group, which will significantly aid in mitigating climate change and support LTG Group’s goal of becoming a climate-neutral organization by 2050. The relevance of this research is also driven by the need to ensure the uninterrupted operation of railway transport under adverse weather conditions, while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. One of the areas within LTG's infrastructure where energy consumption optimization would be particularly impactful is the railway switch heating systems. The main objectives of this thesis are to examine the possibilities of integrating RES into switch heating systems to enhance energy efficiency and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, to assess the preconditions and effectiveness of RES application, to develop an experimental research methodology, and to perform empirical calculations under real conditions. The theoretical part discusses the classification of railway switches, their structural elements, and operational issues, particularly those related to snow and ice accumulation during the winter season. A comprehensive analysis of switch heating technologies is provided, covering compressed air, gas, resistive electric, inductive, and geothermal heating methods. Each system is evaluated in terms of its energy conversion efficiency, operational reliability, cost-effectiveness, and technical applicability. Inductive heating technology, operating at frequencies of 40–70 kHz, demonstrates greater energy efficiency compared to resistive heating, whereas geothermal systems, although economically viable in warmer regions, are limited under extremely low temperatures. The overview of RES presents global data on the use of solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal energy sources. Technologies of Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT) and Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) are analysed, including the influence of turbine axis orientation on efficiency, site selection criteria, and operational characteristics. The possibilities for photovoltaic module installation, their conversion efficiency, and economic indicators are also discussed. Data from various sources indicate that wind and solar energy are the fastest-growing sectors within renewable energy. The empirical part covers research conducted at Pilviškiai railway station, where parameters of switch heating systems across different switch groups — temperature, electricity consumption, and the influence of weather conditions — were measured under real-world conditions. Certified measuring equipment was used, including FLIR ThermaCam I7 thermal imaging cameras and EMSItest IR– 8839 infrared temperature sensors. Experiments were carried out on five switch groups (VS21–VS25) at the Pilviškiai railway yard, recording temperature and electricity consumption data across different switch operation cycles. The collected data were statistically analyzed, with the calculation of average consumption, its dependence on environmental conditions, and identification of optimization opportunities for the heating system. Weather condition analysis included examining variations in wind speed and solar radiation fluxes, which enabled the determination of RES implementation efficiency limits within the Lithuanian climate context. The study also analysed and evaluated five different wind turbine manufacturers, assessing their performance, installation requirements, and suitability for the specifics of the Pilviškiai site. Additionally, a site survey of the station area was conducted to identify the optimal location for turbine installation, taking into account landscape topography, infrastructure constraints, and access to energy flows. In summary, the integration of RES into switch heating infrastructure is technically feasible, economically viable, and environmentally beneficial. However, the final choice of technologies must be based on a comprehensive assessment of site characteristics, weather conditions, and energy consumption profiles. |
