Digital twin for tram traction electrification and off-peak charging
Politecnico di Torino has developed a web-based, georeferenced digital twin model of Turin's tramway traction electrification system. This research tool enables operators to perform electrical network and energy analyses, support predictive maintenance, and explore infrastructure potential, such as off-peak electric vehicle charging. The platform uses an open-source, GIS-based architecture to integrate infrastructure data and simulate system performance in both normal and fault conditions.
Overview
Politecnico di Torino has developed a web-based, georeferenced digital twin model of the Urban Traction Electrification System (UTES) for the city of Turin. This research-driven tool serves as a foundational building block for a comprehensive digital twin of the city's tramway network. By integrating infrastructure data, electrical measurements, and vehicle location information, the platform enables operators to perform detailed electrical network and energy analyses. It supports decision-making for system design, maintenance, and the exploration of innovative infrastructure uses, such as leveraging the tramway network for off-peak electric vehicle charging.
Technical specifications
- Web-based GIS platform: Built on the MapStore framework, allowing for the visualization and editing of georeferenced network infrastructure data.
- Data Integration: Capable of importing network data directly from AutoCAD files, facilitating the modeling of complex urban transport systems.
- Simulation Engine: Features a Python-based simulator that constructs steady-state electrical models of the DC traction system and solves them using nodal analysis.
- Functionality: Computes line currents and nodal voltages under both normal operating conditions and fault scenarios.
- Open Architecture: Utilizes open-source software components, RESTful APIs, and standard OGC protocols for geospatial data sharing, ensuring flexibility and ease of integration with additional data sources.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently in the development and validation phase (TRL 4-6). The model has been implemented and validated for the city of Turin through comparisons with both simulated data and field measurements, with error rates considered satisfactory for operational planning. Ongoing research continues to advance the digital twin framework, including efforts to integrate real-time data from onboard smart meters to enhance predictive performance and adaptability.
About Politecnico di Torino
Politecnico di Torino is a major public, STEM-focused polytechnic university in Italy known for applied research and deep industry partnership. Companies engage on campus through co-located labs, shared facilities, and corporate-access research space, with options from sponsored projects to multi-year agreements. Being in Turin embeds the university in a dense mobility and manufacturing ecosystem, enabling rapid prototyping, pilot testing, and links to OEM supply chains. Research is supported by competitive European Commission programs alongside national and regional funding, often in collaboration with industry. A dedicated technology transfer office and an on-campus startup incubator streamline IP, licensing, and spinout creation.
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