Integrating Hybrid Energy Solutions into Expressway Infrastructure

Muqing Yao, Zunbiao Wang, Song Zhang, Zhufa Chu, Yufei Zhang (), Shuo Zhang and Wenkai Han
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Muqing Yao: Anhui Wutong Changjiang Expressway Co., Ltd., Hefei 230051, China
Zunbiao Wang: Anhui Wutong Changjiang Expressway Co., Ltd., Hefei 230051, China
Song Zhang: Anhui Wutong Changjiang Expressway Co., Ltd., Hefei 230051, China
Zhufa Chu: Anhui Wutong Changjiang Expressway Co., Ltd., Hefei 230051, China
Yufei Zhang: School of Highway, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Shuo Zhang: School of Highway, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Wenkai Han: School of Highway, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-18

Abstract: To explore the feasibility of renewable hybrid energy systems for expressway infrastructure, this study proposes a scenario-based design methodology integrating solar, wind, and hydropower resources within the expressway corridor. A case study was conducted on a highway service area located in southern China, where a solar/wind/hydro hybrid energy system was developed based on the proposed approach. Using the HOMER Pro 3.14 software platform, the system was simulated and optimized under off-grid conditions, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate performance variability. The results demonstrate that the strategic integration of corridor-based natural resources—solar irradiance, wind energy, and hydrodynamic potential—enables the construction of a technically and economically viable hybrid energy system. The system includes 382 kW of PV, 210 kW of wind, 80 kW of hydrokinetic power, a 500 kW diesel generator, and 180 kWh of battery storage, forming a hybrid configuration for a stable and reliable energy supply. The optimized configuration can supply up to 1,095,920 kWh of electricity annually at a minimum levelized cost of energy of USD 0.22/kWh. This system reduces CO 2 emissions by 23.2 tons/year and NO x emissions by 23 kg/year. demonstrating strong environmental performance and long-term sustainability potential.

Keywords: transportation engineering; hybrid energy systems; HOMER simulation; optimization; feasibility; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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