Energy Recovering Using Regenerative Braking in Diesel–Electric Passenger Trains: Economical and Technical Analysis of Fuel Savings and GHG Emission Reductions

Ahmad Fayad, Hussein Ibrahim, Adrian Ilinca, Sasan Sattarpanah Karganroudi and Mohamad Issa
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Ahmad Fayad: Technological Institute for Industrial Maintenance, Cegep of Sept-Îles, Sept-Iles, QC G4R 5B7, Canada
Hussein Ibrahim: Energy Intelligence Research and Innovation Center, Cegep de Sept-Îles, Sept-Iles, QC G4R 5B7, Canada
Adrian Ilinca: Wind Energy Laboratory, University of Quebec in Rimouski, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada
Sasan Sattarpanah Karganroudi: Technological Institute for Industrial Maintenance, Cegep of Sept-Îles, Sept-Iles, QC G4R 5B7, Canada
Mohamad Issa: Quebec Maritime Institute, Rimouski, QC G5L 4B4, Canada

Energies, 2021, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Rail transport, specifically diesel–electric trains, faces fundamental challenges in reducing fuel consumption to improve financial performance and reduce GHG emissions. One solution to improve energy efficiency is the electric brake regenerative technique. This technique was first applied on electric trains several years ago, but it is still considered to improve diesel–electric trains efficiency. Numerous parameters influence the detailed estimation of brake regenerative technique performance, which makes this process particularly difficult. This paper proposes a simplified energetic approach for a diesel–electric train with different storage systems to assess these performances. The feasibility and profitability of using a brake regenerative system depend on the quantity of energy that can be recuperated and stored during the train’s full and partial stop. Based on a simplified energetic calculation and cost estimation, we present a comprehensive and realistic calculation to evaluate ROI, net annual revenues, and GHG emission reduction. The feasibility of the solution is studied for different train journeys, and the most significant parameters affecting the impact of using this technique are identified. In addition, we study the influence of electric storage devices and low temperatures. The proposed method is validated using experimental results available in the literature showing that this technique resulted in annual energy savings of 3400 MWh for 34 trains, worth USD 425,000 in fuel savings.

Keywords: diesel–electric train; energy saving; GHG emission reduction; return on investment (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: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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