Advanced Transport Systems: Technologies and Environment

Abstract

This chapter deals with the performances of advanced passenger cars, large advanced container ships, and LH 2 (Liquid Hydrogen)-fuelled commercial air transportation. The prime objective is to show the potential effects of such advanced technologies on the environment in terms of energy/fuel consumption and related emissions of GHG (Green House Gases).Man-made GHG emissions, particularly those from using nonrenewable energy sources, have become an increasing burden on the industry, society, and politics all around the world. This is because these emissions and particularly their CO 2 component (Carbon Dioxide) are perceived to remain in the atmosphere for prolonged periods of time (presumably hundreds of years) and are proven to contribute to global warming and consequent climate change (Archer 2008). In order to mitigate or even diminish these impacts, both national and international policy makers, industrial organizations, and associations have undertaken a range of different measures. For example, in Europe, the EU (European Union) 27 Member States have fully institutionalized the problem by introducing national and international legislations and conventions, in addition to setting up specific targets for the absolute and relative reduction in emissions of particular GHG. These targets are expected to be achieved by a range of advanced technical/technological and operational improvements and by monitoring and reporting developments throughout particular air polluting sectors of the economy and society (EEA 2010). The most recent evidence indicates that some results have already been achieved: the total emissions of GHG have decreased by about 20 % over the 1990-2009 period, from 5,589 in 1990 to 4,674.5 million tons of CO 2e (Carbon Dioxide equivalents) in 2009 (CO 2e include CO (Carbon Oxide), CO 2 (Carbon Dioxide), SO 4 (Sulfur Oxides), NO x (Nitrogen Oxides), H 2 O (water vapor), and particles). However, at the same time, the share of transport sector in the total emissions of CO 2e has increased from about 17 % in 1990 to about 26 % in 2009, which is an equivalent of about 951 and 1,225 million tons of CO 2e , respectively (EC 2010a, b).M. Janić, Advanced Transport Systems,