Research Using Faster Quantum Computing Aims to Power Rails
Description
A CQUniversity researcher within the Centre for Railway Engineering is investigating algorithms and quantum computing methods that aim to improve battery performance in trains.The project will focus on optimising battery design and performance for reliability, weight reduction, and cost-effectiveness. The project aims to provide a simulation platform to not only enhance the overall propulsion system efficiency, but also address critical aspects of rail vehicle design sizing and energy usage and ultimately will inform through life asset costs.
Partners
Aurizon
University of Queensland
Queensland Government
Impact
Titled, Battery performance simulation for rail vehicle design using quantum computing algorithms, the project is being overseen by CQUniversity’s Centre for Railway Engineering (CRE) Chief Investigator Professor Maksym Spiryagin, in partnership with Aurizon as part of the Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance (QQDA). The project is one of seven new research groups within the QQDA that will span a quantum zero-net emission study to drive decarbonisation across the railway industry.
The project’s focus is optimising battery design and performance for reliability, weight reduction, and cost-effectiveness.
By incorporating quantum computing to model atomic-level reactions within the battery system, the project aims to improve the selection and development of battery design materials. While traditional simulation methods are computationally inefficient in such complex tasks for the optimisation of battery designs, the combination of digital twin technologies and quantum computing offers a promising solution, as demonstrated by rail-specific research.
The project has received a total of $598,036 in combined funding from the Queensland Government, Aurizon and CQUniversity.
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