Energy management with hybrid battery | Schilthorn

The novel energy system installed in SCHILTHORN CABLEWAY 20XX uses braking and regenerative energy and added support from photovoltaics to store electricity and make it available at the right moment independently and cost-efficiently. This method optimises energy demand and consumption peaks so that no new, additional overhead power line is necessary.

The concept is based on two levels: The operating hours of the routes are coordinated with each other. The journeys are managed in such a way that the generator output of the cabin travelling downhill is optimally linked with the motor performance of the cabin travelling uphill and can thus pull the latter upwards. A fully occupied cabin travelling downhill will even need to be braked. Excess energy that is generated is stored in a locally installed battery.

Energy peaks are covered by the stored energy. The battery is used as an energy buffer, to ensure that the energy taken from the network is as constant as possible. It can also be charged with solar energy generated in a PV system at Birg station. Therefore the batteries are being continuously charged, even when the cable car is at a standstill. This means that even in the event of a power failure, the cableway is still able to operate at reduced speed.

Despite doubling the transportation capacity, the energy costs can be reduced by around 10 percent with the new system. This makes a big difference, since electricity accounts for a substantial share of the operating costs. In the longer term, the investment in the new system will be recouped within about five years. The batteries have an estimated lifespan of around ten years, after which a new, much more powerful generation of batteries will be available. The economic viability, the added factor of sustainability and cost savings all speak for the investment.

Sustainability impact