Researchers at The University of Manchester are innovating technology to utilize the strong winds generated within railway tunnels, effectively converting them into renewable energy power stations. This initiative is being led by a team from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, in collaboration with industry partner Q-Sustain Limited, an engineering consultancy based in Manchester.
The project focuses on the Transpennine Route Upgrade, investigating the potential for harnessing this often-overlooked energy source to enhance transportation infrastructure. By capturing airflow from trains traveling through tunnels, a phenomenon known as the piston effect, the researchers aim to provide clean electricity, thus contributing to the United Kingdom”s decarbonization efforts.
Initial feasibility studies have validated the capability of tunnel airflow to generate energy. The research team has also created a specialized techno-economic analysis (TEA) toolkit to assess the performance and economic viability of their designs. This toolkit, available through VerXis Wind, serves as a practical resource for evaluating renewable energy projects, with potential applications extending beyond rail transportation.
The initiative is supported by funding from the EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) and is aligned with goals for sustainable engineering and transport systems. Dr Amir Keshmiri, the academic lead on the project, stated, “Our VerXis toolkit represents a leap forward in renewable energy research. By transforming basic tunnel geometry and scheduling data into financial indicators in a matter of minutes, we are connecting academic advancements with practical applications, making piston-wind VAWTs not only technically feasible but also genuinely attractive for investment.”
Mr Azhar Quaiyoom, director at Q-Sustain Limited, expressed enthusiasm about the VerXis toolkit, emphasizing its capacity to rapidly evaluate and adapt turbine designs for different tunnel environments. This toolkit facilitates intelligent, data-driven decisions, enabling the deployment of sustainable solutions in railway infrastructure that support the UK”s net-zero targets and provide measurable returns on investment for clients.
The next phase of the project will involve testing prototype turbines in actual tunnel settings, alongside continued enhancements to the VerXis toolkit. The ultimate goal is to influence future energy standards in rail transport. If successful, the methodology could extend beyond the railway sector, presenting a scalable framework for integrating renewable energy into broader transportation infrastructure throughout the UK and potentially beyond.
