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Comparative analysis of alternative powertrain technologies in freight trains: A numerical examination towards sustainable rail transport

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  • Aredah, Ahmed
  • Du, Jianhe
  • Hegazi, Mohamed
  • List, George
  • Rakha, Hesham A.

Abstract

This study assesses the energy efficiency and environmental implications of six powertrain technologies in the U.S. freight rail network: diesel, biodiesel, diesel-hybrid, biodiesel-hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell, and electric. Utilizing a simulation model, energy consumption at the tank across different demand scenarios and geographical regions is conducted. The study revealed electric powertrains as the standout, slashing energy consumption at the tank by 56% compared to traditional diesel, with the potential for zero CO2 emissions when powered by green energy sources. Biodiesel and biodiesel-hybrid also outperformed conventional diesel, cutting CO2 tank emissions by 6% and 21%, respectively. Diesel-hybrid registered a 16% reduction in both tank energy and diesel consumption, while hydrogen fuel cells demonstrated a 15% energy consumption drop at the tank and zero emissions. Implementing these advanced technologies requires considerable infrastructure investment and adaptation, which is beyond the scope of our analysis. While centered on the U.S. rail network, our findings offer valuable insights for global freight rail systems, underpinning the push for sustainable powertrain transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Aredah, Ahmed & Du, Jianhe & Hegazi, Mohamed & List, George & Rakha, Hesham A., 2024. "Comparative analysis of alternative powertrain technologies in freight trains: A numerical examination towards sustainable rail transport," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 356(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:356:y:2024:i:c:s0306261923017750
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.122411
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wang, Jinghui & Rakha, Hesham A., 2017. "Electric train energy consumption modeling," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 193(C), pages 346-355.
    2. Murta, Aurélio Lamare Soares & Freitas, Marcos Aurélio Vasconcelos De & Ferreira, Carla Guimarães & Da Costa Lima Peixoto, Mariana Marinho, 2021. "The use of palm oil biodiesel blends in locomotives: An economic, social and environmental analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 521-530.
    3. Maksym Spiryagin & Qing Wu & Peter Wolfs & Yan Sun & Colin Cole, 2018. "Comparison of locomotive energy storage systems for heavy-haul operation," International Journal of Rail Transportation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(1), pages 1-15, January.
    4. Cipek, Mihael & Pavković, Danijel & Kljaić, Zdenko & Mlinarić, Tomislav Josip, 2019. "Assessment of battery-hybrid diesel-electric locomotive fuel savings and emission reduction potentials based on a realistic mountainous rail route," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 1154-1171.
    5. Kyoungho Ahn & Ahmed Aredah & Hesham A. Rakha & Tongchuan Wei & H. Christopher Frey, 2023. "Simple Diesel Train Fuel Consumption Model for Real-Time Train Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-15, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhang, Hao & Lei, Nuo & Wang, Zhi, 2024. "Ammonia-hydrogen propulsion system for carbon-free heavy-duty vehicles," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 369(C).
    2. Ng, Max T.M. & Hernandez, Adrian & Durango-Cohen, Pablo L. & Mahmassani, Hani S., 2024. "Trading off energy storage and payload – An analytical model for freight train configuration," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    3. Aredah, Ahmed & Fadhloun, Karim & Rakha, Hesham A., 2024. "Energy optimization in freight train operations: Algorithmic development and testing," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 364(C).

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