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Stoosbahn: the world's steepest funicular railway turns braking into sustainable energy

Written by Bruno Teles
Published 18/04/2024 às 15:30
Stoosbahn: the world's steepest funicular railway turns braking into sustainable energy
Stoosbahn Photo: Disclosure/EuroNews

In an innovation that redefines green transport, the Stoosbahn, the world's steepest funicular railway, not only transports passengers across Alpine heights, but also converts energy from regenerative braking into heating for a Swiss hotel.

Located in the heart of Switzerland, the Stoosbahn, the steepest funicular railway in the world, is more than a tourist attraction, it is a engineering example and sustainability. On a gravity-defying route, this funicular train climbs at an incline of 110%, covering the distance from the municipality of Schwyz to the ski resort of Stoos, at an altitude of 1.300 meters.

The most notable feature of the Stoosbahn, other than its steepness, is its regenerative braking technology. “When braking on steep terrain, the system not only safely reduces speed, but also captures this kinetic energy, converting it into heat”, explains the chief engineer, in the engine room.

Regenerative braking energy

Annually, 410.000 kWh of energy are generated through this process, equivalent to what would be obtained by burning 41.000 liters of heating oil. This energy is used to heat water, which is then distributed to heat the 100 rooms in the hotel located next to the station. The hotel's proximity to the station minimizes heat loss, maximizing the efficiency of this system.

The hotel's managing director highlights the economic benefits of this integration. “With high energy prices, being able to purchase electricity at a discount from the funicular itself not only saves money, but also strengthens the local economy, creating a kind of perfect circular economy for our community.”

Practical and simple example

Imagine an ordinary electric car, like a Tesla. Normally, when you press the brake pedal, the car slows down through the mechanical resistance of the brakes, dissipating the car's kinetic energy in the form of heat, which is lost to the environment. With regenerative braking, instead of simply dissipating this energy, the car's braking system reverses the electric motor, transforming it into a generator.

During deceleration, the vehicle's wheels continue to rotate, and this rotation is used to turn the engine in the opposite direction. This converts the engine from an energy consumer to an energy producer. The engine generates electricity as it slows the vehicle, and this electricity is then sent back to the car's battery, recharging it. This process not only helps recharge the battery, but also provides more efficient braking and extends the life of mechanical brakes because they are less stressed during deceleration.

Project has immense potential for expansion

According to engineers, the project has immense potential for expanding this technology. The application of regenerative braking is simple and can be adapted to other locations that have funiculars and similar energy demands.

Back in Stoos, where the alpine cold is intense, visitors to the newly renovated hotel can enjoy a hot shower, knowing that the energy used comes from a clean, renewable source. The Stoosbahn is not just a means of transport; It is a symbol of sustainable innovation that warms bodies and hearts in the rigors of the Swiss mountains.

The Stoosbahn, the steepest funicular railway in the world

This remarkable example of engineering and innovation was designed to overcome the challenges of Swiss mountainous terrain, linking the municipality of Schwyz with the ski resort of Stoos. The Stoosbahn reaches an impressive maximum gradient of 110%, making it a marvel for engineers and train enthusiasts alike.

The Stoosbahn route, which culminates at an altitude of 1.300 meters, was meticulously planned to offer not only safety, but also energy efficiency through the use of technologies such as regenerative braking. This technology allows energy generated during braking processes to be captured and converted into heat, an initiative that underlines the railway's commitment to sustainable practices.

Bruno Teles

I talk about technology, innovation, oil and gas. I update daily about opportunities in the Brazilian market. With more than 2.300 articles published in CPG. Agenda suggestion? Send it to brunotelesredator@gmail.com

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