The aim of OPEUS is to develop a simulation methodology and accompanying modelling tool to evaluate, improve and optimise the energy consumption of rail systems with a particular focus on in-vehicle innovation.

The OPEUS concept is based on the need to understand and measure the energy being used by each of the relevant components of the rail system and in particular the vehicle. This includes the energy losses in the traction chain, the use of technologies to reduce these and to optimise energy consumption. Specifically, the OPEUS approach has three components at its core, the energy simulation model, the energy use requirements (e.g. duty cycles) and the energy usage outlook and optimisation strategies recommendation.

The concept builds on an extensive range of knowledge and outcomes generated by a number of key collaborative projects (e.g. CleanER-D, MERLIN, OSIRIS, RailEnergy, ROLL2RAIL) underpinning the research proposed, all of which have been led by OPEUS consortium members. The tool developed for the CleanER-D project in particular will be used as a starting point.

The kick-off meeting was held on 4 November in Brussels and the project is set to run until April 2019.