On 24 June, the UIC Rail System Forum Reduction of energy consumption and costs with new technologies or migration of electrification systems (ECO ENERGY) working group visited the Italian Railway Network (RFI) plant, electrical substations, and laboratories in Osmannoro, Florence. The plant is part of the Italian State Railway (FSI) group, and works closely with RFI, and Trenitalia, and collaborates with Italcertifer to manage external contracts.

ECO ENERGY – coordinated by the UIC Rail System Department, and featuring members from RFI, Spanish Railway Infrastructure Manager (ADIF), and Infrabel, and external experts from universities – had the opportunity to tour the testing and inspection, and energy and electrical testing laboratories.

The former tests rolling stock, components, infrastructure, noise, vibration, and environmental performance while the latter tests traction power systems, electrification components (such as catenaries and substations), and onboard energy systems to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance.

The visit also included the semi-anechoic chamber, which facilitates electromagnetic compatibility testing, immunity tests for disturbances caused by emission sources (such as antennae), and the measurement of electromagnetic emissions. The chamber’s dimensions (50 x 25 x 12m) make it one of a kind in Europe.

UIC thanks RFI for this interesting opportunity.