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 (e.g. ESSs). Specifically, the OPEUS approach has three components at its core: i) the energy simulation model ii) the energy use requirements (e.g. duty cycles) and iii) 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. Particularly the tool developed for the CleanER-D project will be used as starting point. Significant complementary work from the academic community will also be used to enhance the activities of the project. Specifically, these previous projects input will be used to: • Expand and develop the simulation tool (CleanER-D, MERLIN); • Complete the operational requirements by enhancing the urban duty cycles (OSiRIS); • Provide a global vision of energy consumption in railways (CleanER-D, OSIRIS, RailEnergy) OPEUS’ ambition is to firmly contribute to the following key areas: • Understand energy consumption of urban railways; • Develop a tool to objectively compare technologies and strategies aimed at optimising the energy usage of railway systems; • Unlock the potential contribution that novel technologies and associated strategies can make to optimising rail energy consumption; • Share a global vision for how energy is used in railways

DESTINATE aims to develop tools and methodologies for railway noise simulation and cost-benefit analysis of mitigation actions of interior and exterior noise. For accurate noise prediction it is essential to characterize the structure-borne and airborne sound sources accurately in order to create valid input for sound prediction simulation models. The calculated interior and exterior noise can be auralised and visualised in a studio to evaluate the sound quality and sound comfort of potential mitigation measures in the vehicle design process. Auralisation and visualisation of noise can be used to assess the annoyance reduction of a given measure. Thus human perception is adequately taken into account. For decision-making the cost of different design options is a very important parameter. DESTINATE aims to further develop cost effectiveness prediction and thus create the foundation for powerful tools to support decision-making on noise & vibration mitigation measures.

RECOTRANS project will create new manufacturing system for obtaining multi-material metal composites products suitable for the transport industry; automotive, truck and railway sector. The aim of this project is to integrate unconventional manufacturing technologies such as (microwave) MW radiation and laser joining in current RTM and pultrusion production lines. This integration will contribute to obtain high quality lightweight multi-materials at high production rates; reducing production cost, energy consumption and time to market contributing to reduce CO2 emissions coming from vehicles; truck, automotive and railway

The ROLL2RAIL project aims to develop key technologies and to remove already identified blocking points for radical innovation in the field of railway vehicles, as part of a longer term strategy to revolutionise the rolling stock for the future. The high level objectives of the work are to pave the way to: • Increase the capacity of the railway system and bring flexibility to adapt capacity to demand • Increase availability, operational reliability and therefore punctuality of the vehicles • Reduce the life cycle costs of the vehicle and the track • Increase the energy efficiency of the system • Improve passenger comfort and the attractiveness of rail transport Specific developments are proposed the scope of ROLL2RAIL: • Basis of a radically new traction technology based on emerging electronic components leading towards more energy-efficient traction, which is lighter and more reliable while reducing the noise emitted • New wireless technology applied to train control functionalities will allow more flexible coupling to increase line capacity • Carbody solutions based on lightweight composite materials to reduce weight • A way of quantifying the life-cycle cost impact of new technological solutions for running gear; • Knowledge database of the variety of requirements in Europe for the braking systems to bring down barriers to step-change innovation in this area • Standardised methodologies for assessing attractiveness and comfort from the passenger’s point of view • Methodology for noise source separation techniques allowing implementation of novel and more efficient noise mitigation measures It is also the objective of ROLL2RAIL to serve as a preparation for a fast and smooth start up of the large scale initiative SHIFT2RAIL. All ROLL2RAIL results will ultimately lead to demonstration in real vehicles or relevant environments in SHIFT2RAIL.