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

E.M. Washing and S.S. Pulugurtha

International Journal of Rail Transportation, 2016, vol. 4, issue 1, 55-70

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.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1080/23248378.2015.1086554

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