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Analysis of hydrogen-powered propulsion system alternatives for diesel-electric regional trains

Non-electrified regional railway lines with typically employed diesel-electric multiple units require alternative propulsion systems to meet increasingly strict emissions regulations. With the aim to identify an optimal alternative to conventional diesel traction, this paper presents a model-based a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of rail transport planning & management 2022-09, Vol.23, p.100338, Article 100338
Main Authors: Kapetanović, Marko, Núñez, Alfredo, van Oort, Niels, Goverde, Rob M.P.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Non-electrified regional railway lines with typically employed diesel-electric multiple units require alternative propulsion systems to meet increasingly strict emissions regulations. With the aim to identify an optimal alternative to conventional diesel traction, this paper presents a model-based assessment of hydrogen-powered propulsion systems with an internal combustion engine or fuel cells as the prime mover, combined with different energy storage system configurations, based on lithium-ion batteries and/or double-layer capacitors. The analysis encompasses technology identification, design, modelling and assessment of alternative powertrains, explicitly considering case-related constraints imposed by the infrastructure, technical and operational requirements. Using a regional railway network in the Netherlands as a case, we investigate the possibilities in converting a conventional benchmark vehicle and provide the railway undertaking and decision-makers with valuable input for planning of future rolling stock investments. The results indicate the highest fuel-saving potential for fuel cell-based hybrid propulsion systems with lithium-ion battery or a hybrid energy storage system that combines both energy storage system technologies. The two configurations also demonstrate the highest reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to the benchmark diesel-driven vehicle, by about 25% for hydrogen produced by steam methane reforming, and about 19% for hydrogen obtained from electrolysis of water with grey electricity. •Conceptual design of hydrogen propulsion systems for a regional train is presented.•Two prime mover and three energy storage system technologies are considered.•A backward-looking quasi-static simulation model is provided.•A real-time energy management and control strategy is developed.•Potential GHG emissions reduction of up to 25.5% is identified.
ISSN:2210-9706
2210-9714
DOI:10.1016/j.jrtpm.2022.100338