Potentials of alternative propulsion systems for railway vehicles — A techno-economic evaluation

Abstract

This paper discusses alternative propulsion systems for heavy railway vehicles. First, edge conditions such as drivers and roadblocks for the implementation of alternative propulsions in railway vehicles are discussed. For operations on a non-electrified railway route, the required main propulsion components of a battery electric multiple unit and of a fuel cell multiple unit are roughly dimensioned and economically compared with a benchmark diesel multiple unit, the BR 612 of Deutsche Bahn. The nonelectrified route from Ulm to Oberstdorf was considered as a reference route for the simulation and drivetrain layout. Our analysis finds that alternative drive concepts hold a high potential for future railway vehicles, depending on the boundary conditions.

Li-Ion Battery-Based Hybrid Diesel-Electric Railway Vehicle: In-Depth Life Cycle Cost Analysis

“…In this section the results of the sensitivity analysis are presented, and a discussion is carried out focusing on the sizing, LIB technologies and strategies comparison. Table V shows the considered economic parameters, which have been defined following previous literature [4], [5], [37], [38]. Parameters without a reference refer to own assumptions.…”

“…in low-traffic networks [3]). For instance, in Europe the 40% of the routes are not electrified yet [4], and the rate is even lower in Asia or America [5]. Consequently, it is crucial to search for cleaner alternatives in this sector.…”

Convex Optimization for Fuel Cell Hybrid Trains: Speed, Energy Management System, and Battery Thermals

“…Hydrogen fuel cell hybrid trains (see Fig. 1) are expected to play a key role in decarbonizing the railways owing to their lack of harmful emissions at point-of-use and adequate driving range; however, their total cost of ownership is projected to be higher than incumbent diesel trains primarily due to the higher cost of hydrogen fuel in comparison to diesel fuel [1]. We aim at reducing hydrogen fuel consumption by optimizing train operation.…”

Convex Optimization of Speed and Energy Management System for Fuel Cell Hybrid Trains

“…Hydrogen trains are expected to play a role in decarbonizing the railways [1]. While hydrogen trains are virtually emissions free at point-of-use and can achieve a driving range similar to that of diesel trains, their total cost of ownership is currently higher primarily due to the cost of hydrogen fuel [2]; therefore, it becomes imperative to reduce hydrogen consumption in order to improve competitiveness.…”