Stuart Hillmansen

Accepting PhD Students

PhD projects

As head of the Railway Systems Group's traction systems research, Stuart Hillmansen has developed key themes, built up its reputation internationally in both academic circles and industry, and co-ordinated its dissemination. Improving the energy efficiency of railway systems relies on frontline developments in railway traction systems. Developing and testing cutting-edge hypotheses in this field not only creates interesting and challenging PhD programmes for the team, but ensures that the practical applications of the research are timely and of importance to both industry and the Department for Transport, both of which have carbon reduction strategies. This has led to a number of deployments with direct or collaborative funding.

Software developed by Dr Hillmansen’s team for train simulation and optimisation is currently being applied, not only on the UK's railways but also internationally, through collaborations in the USA and Far East. An example is the application of the simulator to the assessment of new rolling stock designs on the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit system. Dr Hillmansen can supervise doctoral research in all his areas of interest.

Research activity per year

71 Article
29 Conference contribution
21 Paper
5 Commissioned report
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1 - 50 out of 135 results

2025
Optimal thermal management on the storage vessle for cryogenic hydrogen-powered hybrid train
Xu, Z., Zhang, Y., Zhao, N., Li, S., Yan, Y. & Hillmansen, S., 29 Jan 2025, (Accepted/In press) 2024 IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference (VPPC). Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 6 p. 10755391. (IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference, VPPC).
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
2024
Cost modelling-based route applicability analysis of United Kingdom passenger railway decarbonization options
Jiang, K., Tian, Z., Wen, T., Hillmansen, S. & Zhang, Y., 1 Sept 2024, In: International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems. 160, 110094.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
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44 Downloads (Pure)
Hydrogen supply chain for future hydrogen-fuelled railway in the UK: Transport sector focused
Xu, Z., Zhao, N., Yan, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhang, T., Wu, D., Hillmansen, S. & Gao, S., 11 Oct 2024, In: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 86, p. 1-13 13 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
34 Downloads (Pure)
2023
A techno-economic analysis of ammonia-fuelled powertrain systems for rail freight
Zhang, Y., Zhao, N., Li, M., Xu, Z., Wu, D., Hillmansen, S., Tsolakis, A., Blacktop, K. & Roberts, C., 1 Jun 2023, In: Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment. 119, 103739.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
204 Downloads (Pure)
Development of a smart hybrid drive system with advanced logistics for railway applications
Kamel, T., Amor, P., Polater, N., Zhang, Y., Tian, Z., Hillmansen, S. & Tricoli, P., 17 Feb 2023, (E-pub ahead of print) In: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 18 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
59 Downloads (Pure)
Hybrid railway vehicle trajectory optimisation using a non‐convex function and evolutionary hybrid forecast algorithm
Din, T., Tian, Z., Bukhari, S. M. A. M., Hillmansen, S. & Roberts, C., 12 Jul 2023, (E-pub ahead of print) In: IET Intelligent Transport Systems. 19 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
100 Downloads (Pure)
2022
Comparison of renewable integration schemes for AC railway power supply system
Kano, N., Tian, Z., Chinomi, N. & Hillmansen, S., Sept 2022, In: IET Electrical Systems in Transportation. 12, 3, p. 209-222 14 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
1 Citation (Scopus)

114 Downloads (Pure)
Convex Optimization of Speed and Energy Management System for Fuel Cell Hybrid Trains
Jibrin, R., Hillmansen, S., Roberts, C., Zhao, N. & Tian, Z., 10 Feb 2022, 2021 IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference (VPPC). Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 6 p. 9699165. (IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference, VPPC).
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Techno-economic analysis of hydrogen storage technologies for railway engineering: a review
Xu, Z., Zhao, N., Hillmansen, S. & Roberts, C., 5 Sept 2022, In: Energies. 15, 17, 22 p., 6467.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
705 Downloads (Pure)
Timetable optimization and trial test for regenerative braking energy utilization in rapid transit systems
Zhao, N., Tian, Z., Hillmansen, S., Chen, L., Roberts, C. & Gao, S., 2 Jul 2022, In: Energies. 15, 13, 9 p., 4879.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
59 Downloads (Pure)
2021
Addressing the climate challenge
Acton, J., Anderson, P., Andres, L., Angus, M., Amor, P., Arrowsmith, J. (Editor), Asmelash, H., Bartington, S. (Editor), Bengtsson, F., Bhullar, L., Bloss, W., Bonet, B., Börner, S., O Bonsu, N., Bryson, J. R., Burns, V., Burrows, A., Calvert, C., Cassidy, N. & Cavoski, A. & 78 others, Chadyiwa, M., Chapman, H., Chapman, L., Cockram, M., Degendardt, L., Dickinson, D., Ding, Y., Dobrzynski, D., Dolo, M., Dora, J., Ercolani, M., Ersoy, A., Farag, H., Ferranti, E., Fisher, R., Freer, M., Goldmann, N., Goode, C. E., Greenham, S., Gulati, S., Hadfield-Hill, S., Harper, G., Hegerl, G., Hillmansen, S., Holmes, J., Huang, J. J., Huser, C., Jackson, R., Jaroszweski, D., Jefferson, I., Johnson, J., Kaewunruen, S., Kelly-Akinnuoye, F., Kettles, G., Kraftl, P., Krause, S., Leckebusch, G. C., Lee, R., Lockwood, B. (Editor), Lohse, J., Luna Diez, E., Lynch, I. (Editor), MacKenzie, R., Maddison, D., Makepeace, J., Mann, V., Marino, R., Mavronicola, N., McDonald, M., McGowan, K. (Editor), Metje, N., Ng, K., Nicol, J., O'Sullivan, C., Phalkey, N., Prestwood, E., Pyatt, N., Quinn, A., Radcliffe, J. (Editor), Ravi, M., Reardon, L., Reeder, T., O’Regan, P., Remedios, L., Roberts, J., Rogers, C., Rungskunroch, P., van Schaik, W., Swan, J. (Editor), Thomson, I., Toft, H. (Editor), Tong, J., Botello Villagrana, F., Walton, A., Wason, C. (Editor), Weir, C., Wood, R. & Zhong, J., 9 Sept 2021, University of Birmingham. 132 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report

Open Access
Concept development and testing of the UK’s first hydrogen-hybrid train (HydroFLEX)
Calvert, C., Allan, J., Amor, P., Hillmansen, S., Roberts, C. & Weston, P., 1 Sept 2021, In: Railway Engineering Science. 29, 3, p. 248-257 10 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
221 Downloads (Pure)
Driving strategy optimization and field test on an urban rail transit system
Zhao, N., Tian, Z., Chen, L., Roberts, C. & Hillmansen, S., Oct 2021, In: IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Magazine. 13, 3, p. 34-44 11 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
139 Downloads (Pure)
2020

Coordinated Scheduling Strategy for Distributed Generation Considering Uncertainties in Smart Grids
Tian, Z. & Hillmansen, S., 2020, In: IEEE Access.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Traction Power Substation Load Analysis with Various Train Operating Styles and Substation Fault Modes
Tian, Z., Zhao, N., Hillmansen, S., Su, S. & Wen, C., 1 Jun 2020, In: Energies. 13, 11, 18 p., 2788.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
65 Downloads (Pure)
2019
A new hybrid simulation integrating transient-state and steady-state models for the analysis of reversible DC traction power systems
Zhang, G., Tian, Z., Tricoli, P., Hillmansen, S. & Liu, Z., 1 Jul 2019, In: International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems. 109, p. 9-19 11 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
13 Citations (Scopus)

314 Downloads (Pure)
Current closed-loop control and field orientation analysis of an induction motor in six-step operation for railway applications
Fang, X., Tian, Z., Li, H., Yang, Z., Lin, F. & Hillmansen, S., 29 May 2019, In: IET Power Electronics. 12, 6, p. 1462-1469 8 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
2 Citations (Scopus)

212 Downloads (Pure)
DC Traction Power Supply System Reliability Evaluation and Robust Design
Chen, Y., Tian, Z., Hillmansen, S., Roberts, C. & Zhao, N., Sept 2019, Proceedings of 2019 IEEE 3rd International Electrical and Energy Conference, CIEEC 2019. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), p. 1153-1158 6 p. 9076946. (Proceedings of 2019 IEEE 3rd International Electrical and Energy Conference, CIEEC 2019).
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Energy Evaluation for DC Railway Systems with Inverting Substations
Tian, Z., Zhang, G., Zhao, N., Hillmansen, S., Tricoli, P. & Roberts, C., 14 Jan 2019, 2018 IEEE International Conference on Electrical Systems for Aircraft, Railway, Ship Propulsion and Road Vehicles and International Transportation Electrification Conference, ESARS-ITEC 2018. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 6 p. 8607710. (2018 IEEE International Conference on Electrical Systems for Aircraft, Railway, Ship Propulsion and Road Vehicles and International Transportation Electrification Conference, ESARS-ITEC 2018).
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

Open Access
File
6 Citations (Scopus)

770 Downloads (Pure)
Inverter operating characteristics optimization for DC traction power supply systems
Zhang, G., Tian, Z., Tricoli, P., Hillmansen, S., Wang, Y. & Liu, Z., 13 Feb 2019, In: IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology. 68, 4, p. 3400-3410 11 p., 8641314.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
28 Citations (Scopus)

884 Downloads (Pure)
Railway smart grids: drivers, benefits and challenges
Steele, H., Roberts, C. & Hillmansen, S., 1 May 2019, In: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit. 233, 5, p. 526-536 11 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
1 Citation (Scopus)
SmartDrive: traction energy optimization and applications in rail systems
Tian, Z., Zhao, N., Hillmansen, S., Roberts, C., Dowens, T. & Kerr, C., 1 Jul 2019, In: IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems . 20, 7, p. 2764-2773 10 p., 8649821.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
16 Citations (Scopus)

901 Downloads (Pure)
VU limit pre-assessment for high-speed railway considering a grid connection scheme
Chen, Y., Chen, M., Tian, Z., Liu, Y. & Hillmansen, S., 15 Apr 2019, In: IET Generation, Transmission and Distribution. 13, 7, p. 1121-1131 11 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
6 Citations (Scopus)

289 Downloads (Pure)
2018
Distributed insulation monitoring for U.K. 650-V railway signaling power supplies using rectified current difference pattern tracking
Xu, G., Weston, P. & Hillmansen, S., 1 Jun 2018, In: IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification. 4, 2, p. 605-615 11 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
2 Citations (Scopus)

708 Downloads (Pure)
The Mitigation Technology of Typical Low-Frequency Voltage Fluctuation in China Electrified Railway
Jiang, X., Hu, H., Yang, J., Zhou, Y., He, Z., Qian, Q., Tricoli, P., Hillmansen, S. & Roberts, C., 27 Aug 2018, SPEEDAM 2018 - Proceedings: International Symposium on Power Electronics, Electrical Drives, Automation and Motion. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), p. 632-637 6 p. 8445197
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
4 Citations (Scopus)
2017
An integrated metro operation optimization to minimize energy consumption
Zhao, N., Roberts, C., Hillmansen, S., Tian, Z., Weston, P. & Chen, L., 8 Feb 2017, In: Transportation Research. Part C. 75, p. 168-182
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
45 Citations (Scopus)

644 Downloads (Pure)
Energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions analysis for a concept design of a hydrogen hybrid railway vehicle
Din, T. & Hillmansen, S., 7 Nov 2017, (E-pub ahead of print) In: IET Electrical Systems in Transportation.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
8 Citations (Scopus)

748 Downloads (Pure)
Field test of train trajectory optimisation on a metro line
Zhao, N., Chen, L., Tian, Z., Roberts, C., Hillmansen, S. & lv, J., 15 May 2017, In: IET Intelligent Transport Systems. 11, 5, p. 273-281 9 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
9 Citations (Scopus)

636 Downloads (Pure)
Harmonic modelling and prediction of high speed electric train based on non-parametric confidence interval estimation method
Minwu, C., Roberts, C., Weston, P., Hillmansen, S., Zhao, N. & Han, X., May 2017, In: International Journal of Power and Energy Systems. 87, p. 176-186
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
11 Citations (Scopus)
Method for validating the train motion equations used for passenger rail vehicle simulation
Douglas, H., Weston, P., Kirkwood, D., Hillmansen, S. & Roberts, C., 1 Apr 2017, In: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit. 231, 4, p. 455-469 15 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
3 Citations (Scopus)
Optimal Dynamic Analysis of Electrical/Electronic Components in Wind Turbines
Márquez, F. P. G., Marugán, A. P., Pinar Pérez, J. M., Hillmansen, S. & Papaelias, M., 31 Jul 2017, In: Energies. 10, 8, p. 1111 19 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
29 Citations (Scopus)

182 Downloads (Pure)
Optimising energy saving in metro systems through characteristic evaluation
Douglas, H., Roberts, C. & Hillmansen, S., 16 Jan 2017, (E-pub ahead of print) IET Conference Publications. CP703 ed. Institution of Engineering and Technology, Vol. 2016.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
1 Citation (Scopus)
System energy optimisation strategies for metros with regeneration
Tian, Z., Weston, P., Zhao, N., Hillmansen, S., Roberts, C. & Chen, L., 8 Feb 2017, In: Transportation Research. Part C. 75, p. 120-135
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
37 Citations (Scopus)

521 Downloads (Pure)
2016
A new control technique enabling dual-feeding of 50 Hz AC railways with static converter feeder stations
Sharifi, D., Tricoli, P. & Hillmansen, S., 2016, IET Conference Publications. CP684 ed. Institution of Engineering and Technology, Vol. 2016.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
1 Citation (Scopus)
Conceptual propulsion system design for a hydrogen-powered regional train
Hoffrichter, A., Hillmansen, S. & Roberts, C., Jun 2016, In: IET Electrical Systems in Transportation. 6, 2, p. 56-66
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
20 Citations (Scopus)

910 Downloads (Pure)
Development and design of a narrow-gauge hydrogen-hybrid locomotive
Coombe, D., Fisher, P., Hoffrichter, A., Kent, S., Reed, D., Rowshandel, H., Tutcher, J., Entezami, M., Hillmansen, S., Bevan, A., Book, D., Dickerson, R., Harris, I., Roberts, C., Sperin, K., Stewart, E., Yeo, G. & Zentani, A., 1 Jan 2016, In: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit. 230, 1, p. 181-192 12 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
1 Citation (Scopus)
Energy evaluation of the power network of a DC railway system with regenerating trains
Tian, Z., Hillmansen, S., Roberts, C., Weston, P., Zhao, N., Chen, L. & Chen, M., Jun 2016, In: IET Electrical Systems in Transportation. 6, 2, p. 41-49 9 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
46 Citations (Scopus)
Evaluation of Permanent Magnet Motor energy saving technology for different types of railways
Douglas, H., Schmid, F., Roberts, C. & Hillmansen, S., 13 Oct 2016, 2016 IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Rail Transportation, ICIRT 2016. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), p. 123-129 7 p. 7588721
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
4 Citations (Scopus)
Future of Electric Railways: Advanced Electrification Systems with Static Converters for ac Railways
Krastev, I., Tricoli, P., Hillmansen, S. & Chen, M., 2 Sept 2016, IEEE Electrification Magazine, 4, 3, p. 6-14.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article

Open Access
File
30 Citations (Scopus)

2255 Downloads (Pure)
Intelligent transport system - RRUKA special issue - Editorial
Luisa, M. & Hillmansen, S., 28 Jan 2016, In: IET Intelligent Transport Systems. 10, 1, p. 1 1 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial › peer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
Method to evaluate solutions for complex systems: Rail energy
Douglas, H., Roberts, C. & Hillmansen, S., 23 Sept 2016, In: Institution of Civil Engineers. Proceedings. Transport. 169, 5, p. 283-297 15 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
3 Citations (Scopus)
Modelling and performance analysis of advanced combined co-phase traction power supply system in electrified railway
Chen, M., Li, Q., Roberts, C., Hillmansen, S., Tricoli, P., Zhao, N. & Krastev, I., 10 Mar 2016, In: IET Generation, Transmission and Distribution. 10, 4, p. 906-916
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
48 Citations (Scopus)

138 Downloads (Pure)
Multi-conductor model for AC railway train simulation
Chen, Y., White, R., Fella, T., Hillmansen, S. & Weston, P., 1 Jun 2016, In: IET Electrical Systems in Transportation. 6, 2, p. 67-75 9 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
7 Citations (Scopus)
Observations of train control performance on a camshaft-operated DC electrical multiple unit
Ellis, R., Weston, P., Stewart, E., Hillmansen, S., Tricoli, P., Roberts, C. & Jones, I., 1 May 2016, In: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit. 230, 4, p. 1184-1201 18 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
1 Citation (Scopus)
System energy optimisation of metro-transit system using Monte Carlo Algorithm
Tian, Z., Western, P., Hillmansen, S., Roberts, C. & Zhao, N., Oct 2016, 2016 IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Rail Transportation (ICIRT) 2016. IEEE Xplore, p. 453-459
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
5 Citations (Scopus)
2015
A multiple train trajectory optimization to minimize energy consumption and delay
Zhao, N., Roberts, C., Hillmansen, S. & Nicholson, G., Oct 2015, In: IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems. 16, 5, p. 2363 - 2372
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
63 Citations (Scopus)
An assessment of available measures to reduce traction energy use in railway networks
Douglas, H., Roberts, C., Hillmansen, S. & Schmid, F., 1 Dec 2015, In: Energy Conversion and Management. 106, p. 1149-1165 17 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
65 Citations (Scopus)
Energy loss minimisation by optimal design of stationary supercapacitors for light railways
Ratniyomchai, T., Hillmansen, S. & Tricoli, P., 4 Aug 2015, 5th International Conference on Clean Electrical Power: Renewable Energy Resources Impact, ICCEP 2015. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), p. 511-517 7 p. 7177538
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
11 Citations (Scopus)
New modular hybrid energy storage system and its control strategy for a fuel cell locomotive
Krastev, I., Mukherjee, N., Tricoli, P. & Hillmansen, S., 27 Oct 2015, 2015 17th European Conference on Power Electronics and Applications, EPE-ECCE Europe 2015. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 7309371
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
3 Citations (Scopus)
Optimisation of operational reliability of large-scale industrial wind turbines
Camacho Questa, J. E., Requena Montejano, V., Polo, F., Moreno, L., Vanhnonacker, T., Stalaart, B., Karyotakis, A., Panagoiliopoulos, O., Karakassidis, V., Lang, Z. Q., Roldán De La Cuadra, C., Murillo Calleja, M., Oses, I. E., Auer, G., Zalacain, I., Errea Mugica, J., Garcia Marquez, F. P., Pedegral, D., Lee, D. & Hillmansen, S. & 4 others, Tricoli, P., Hajiabady, S., Fernando, G. & Papaelias, M., 2015, Renewable Energies Offshore - 1st International Conference on Renewable Energies Offshore, RENEW 2014. CRC Press/Balkema, p. 931-935 5 p.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
1 Citation (Scopus)

Stuart Hillmansen

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