Deutsche Bahn uses old e-car batteries as power storage in the ICE plant

Deutsche Bahn is using old electric car batteries as energy storage for its ICE plant in Leipzig. According to the company, the batteries are used as second-life batteries with a photovoltaic system. This will enable the plant to cover around a quarter of its electricity requirements. This would result in annual savings of 85,000 euros for the railroad company.

The 30 used e-car battery modules come from eight vehicles. According to Deutsche Bahn, they are still suitable for storage after five to seven years of use in the car. However, before they were used for their new purpose, a functional test and recomposition of the modules took place. If necessary, the memory can still be expanded. The implementation was overseen by the Group's own start-up “encore | DB”.

Storage also steps in during peaks

The battery storage system is connected to the photovoltaic system and the plant's power grid via sensors and control technology. It continuously records the current electricity production, the current consumption, which fluctuates depending on the intensity of work, and the charge status of the storage system. The system also intervenes when it detects phases of extremely high electricity demand. These include the turning of wheel sets or the power supply to ICEs when the normal overhead line is switched off.

The storage solution is part of DB's S3 refurbishment program. It is also intended to contribute to the railroad's climate neutrality, which is to be achieved by 2040. The PV system with a total output of around 291 kilowatt peak (kWp) was installed on a total of three parts of the plant's buildings. The Leipzig ICE plant is primarily responsible for the maintenance of the ICE T and the Intercity 2. It has 275 employees.

DB already has further plans

After Leipzig, DB also wants to equip its plant in Kassel with a battery storage system. Other plants and facilities are still being examined.

(mki)