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Energy demand and emission production comparison of electric, hydrogen and hydrogen-hybrid light rail trains

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  • E.M. Washing
  • S.S. Pulugurtha

Abstract

This article focuses on whether hydrogen-power technology is suitable for light rail operation and how a hydrogen-powered train’s energy use and emission production compare with a conventional electric light rail train. The results of the simulations indicate that a hydrogen train and a hydrogen-hybrid train are technically feasible for operation on the Blue Line Extension light rail project. Both concept trains complete a round-trip journey quicker than the electric train and have similar power-to-weight ratios. Due to increased mass and volume requirements, the hydrogen and hydrogen-hybrid trains require additional energy at the wheels for propulsion, 10.1% and 10.7% more, respectively. The electric train, due to improved efficiencies throughout the energy pathway, uses substantially less feedstock energy. The hydrogen and hydrogen-hybrid trains produce 162% and 85% more CO 2 emissions per year, respectively, than the electric train. Overall, while operational performance is comparable, the hydrogen or hydrogen-hybrid train does not meet the energy use and emission production standards necessary for adoption of a renewable technology at this time.

Suggested Citation

  • E.M. Washing & S.S. Pulugurtha, 2016. "Energy demand and emission production comparison of electric, hydrogen and hydrogen-hybrid light rail trains," International Journal of Rail Transportation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(1), pages 55-70, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:tjrtxx:v:4:y:2016:i:1:p:55-70
    DOI: 10.1080/23248378.2015.1086554
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