Solar energy is one of the renewables that has raised the most research thanks to the constant capacity to investigate in it: many sites have 10 hours in a row throughout the year, which allows tests almost constantly. But One of the problems is that we cannot control certain variables Like clouds, unless we move. Or permits linked to the location of the panels and their impact on the environment. And that is precisely what makes this new project something unique.
Switzerland has launched what is announced as the first removable solar energy plant in the world in an active railway. Installed in the relatively unemployed space between the roads, the solar panels were initially rejected by the authorities. However, the startup Sun-Kys introduced technical changes, so from tomorrow, The system will undergo a three -year test in a regional line to verify its safety, durability and impact on maintenance.
In this way, the first solar energy plant integrated in the country Removable photovoltaic panels mounted on the tracks. The pilot, located in the small municipality of Buttes, marks a crucial step for the startup.
The system consists of 48 solar panels installed in the unoccupied space between the tracks in a section of 100 meters operated by the Transn Regional Railway Company. Passenger trains will begin to circulate on the system from next week.
“Ultimately, our goal Not only is it producing energy among the rails, but also reinjecting it to the traction current of the trains to achieve practically 100% self -consumption”, Said Joseph Scuderi, founder and director of Sun-Ks. The general objective is to develop a rapid and profitable installation method that can be scaled thousands of kilometers from the railway network.
The company states that its special installation train, developed in collaboration with its partner Scheuchzer, It can display up to 1000 square meters of panels in a matter of hours. Modular solar panels are fixed by a patented system that exerts strength over each raíl and is designed to remain stable at speeds up to 150 km/h.
The concept of taking advantage of the space between the rails for solar production has drawn attention for its elegant use of the existing infrastructure; of fact, seton planning similar pilot projects with the SNCF in France and operators in SpainñA, RomanYoAy South Korea. Unlike solar parks next to the VYoa, that require environmental permits and additional landsomething that is usually scarce in the regional railroad, the Sun-Kys system takes advantage of the seemingly inactive space that is already under rail management.
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Beyond maintenance, durability and security are other concerns. While the solar panels are reinforced and pre -assembled with manipulations proof connections, They remain exposed to vibrations, Balasto de Rocío and the winter climatefactors that can degrade your performance over time. But the company has a solution for each of these possible problems.
Regarding the issue of whether Balasto Rocío reduces the efficiency of panels, Sun-Kays points out that roof panels that are being tested in places like India and Australia would experience relatively similar problems in desert conditions. However, to compensate for this problem, he has agreed with Transn Integrate a cleaning mechanism by cylindrical brushes mounted in the back of the trains that pass. On the contrary, the snow layer, which disables flat panels, remains a problem. The company indicates that general winter production is low, even for solar systems installed on roofs.
Regarding the security of the program for drivers who circulate on a highly reflective route, the company has addressed the problem of glare through the Use of Full Black panels with anti -reflex filters that help reduce the risk. It also performs an analysis of the glare for each installation project, which, he points out, is already a common practice.
With each solar panel of approximately 1 x 1.7 meters And adaptable to different road widths, Sun-Kays estimates that the 5,000 kilometers of iron roads of Switzerland could house up to 2.5 million panels, a considerable potential sunscreen.