Decarbonization Pathway for Train Systems Using a Supercapacitor Energy Storage Charged by Distributed Solar PV Systems: A Case Study for Saudi Arabia

Bandar Jubran Alqahtani (), Mussab Aleraij and Abdulhadi Alajmi
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Bandar Jubran Alqahtani: Power Systems, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
Mussab Aleraij: Electrical Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
Abdulhadi Alajmi: Electrical Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-28

Abstract: The study aims to introduce a novel system that powers a passenger train using supercapacitor energy storage that is charged by a solar carport system located at each train stop station. The system’s detailed design and its techno-economic analysis have been carried out and applied to a case study of a supercapacitor-based train (SC-Train) that connects an international airport with five major cities in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The objective is to reduce CO 2 emissions from Saudi Arabia’s transportation sector utilizing an electric-operated train energized by a solar carport system. The solar carport system is designed to have a capacity equal to the train’s energy consumption. Additionally, the supercapacitor has been selected as a storage device to utilize the regenerative braking system feature to enhance the train’s energy efficiency, which results in energy savings equivalent to 44.9% of total energy consumption. Finally, the project’s feasibility has been determined via the benefit–cost analysis approach, which yields a positive net present value of USD 367 million over 30 years.

Keywords: supercapacitor; solar energy; regenerative braking system; decarbonization; transportation; sustainability; carport system; energy economics; net billing; LCOE (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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