Assessment of Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Battery Technology for Regional Rail
(2024) MVKM05 20241Department of Energy Sciences
- Abstract
- This thesis investigates the potential of hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) technology as a sustainable alternative for regional rail transport within the framework of the EU-Rail Flagship Project 6. The thesis focuses on developing a hybrid powertrain model that incorporates both HFC and battery technologies, implementing a rule-based energy management strategy to assess fuel consumption and environmental impact. A sensitivity analysis of powertrain configurations and State of Charge (SOC) reference levels were conducted. The findings reveal that lower SOC reference levels result in reduced hydrogen consumption and CO₂ emissions over the 30-year lifecycle of a regional train. The thesis concludes that while HFC technology shows promise for... (More)
- This thesis investigates the potential of hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) technology as a sustainable alternative for regional rail transport within the framework of the EU-Rail Flagship Project 6. The thesis focuses on developing a hybrid powertrain model that incorporates both HFC and battery technologies, implementing a rule-based energy management strategy to assess fuel consumption and environmental impact. A sensitivity analysis of powertrain configurations and State of Charge (SOC) reference levels were conducted. The findings reveal that lower SOC reference levels result in reduced hydrogen consumption and CO₂ emissions over the 30-year lifecycle of a regional train. The thesis concludes that while HFC technology shows promise for sustainable rail transport, its effectiveness depends on optimized energy management and the consistent use of renewable energy for hydrogen production. (Less)
- Popular Abstract
- The thesis developed a hybrid model combining HFC and battery technology to power regional trains. A key objective was the implementation of an EMS, which efficiently managed the operation of the powertrain components and reduced hydrogen consumption, ultimately lowering the trains' carbon footprint over their 30-year lifecycle. Additionally, by managing the battery’s SOC, fuel consumption was minimized, leading to further reductions in both hydrogen use and emissions.
Rail transport, although more efficient than road transport, still relies heavily on diesel engines, which contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. With the growing focus on climate change, the demand for cleaner, greener alternatives in rail transport... (More) - The thesis developed a hybrid model combining HFC and battery technology to power regional trains. A key objective was the implementation of an EMS, which efficiently managed the operation of the powertrain components and reduced hydrogen consumption, ultimately lowering the trains' carbon footprint over their 30-year lifecycle. Additionally, by managing the battery’s SOC, fuel consumption was minimized, leading to further reductions in both hydrogen use and emissions.
Rail transport, although more efficient than road transport, still relies heavily on diesel engines, which contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. With the growing focus on climate change, the demand for cleaner, greener alternatives in rail transport have become urgent. This thesis addresses the challenge of reducing emissions in regional rail networks, particularly in areas where full electrification is either impractical or too costly.
Adopting HFC technology in rail transport has the potential to eliminate the harmful emissions associated with diesel engines, paving the way for more sustainable travel. When hydrogen is produced using renewable energy, it offers a truly zero-emission solution. As global rail usage is projected to increase, integrating green technologies like HFC is essential to meeting climate targets and reducing the transportation sector's overall environmental impact.
The findings of this thesis can help shape the future development of hybrid HFC powertrains for regional rail systems. The model developed could serve as a benchmark for future comparisons with other green alternatives, such as biofuels or full electrification. With proper EMS, HFC technology can play a crucial role in lowering the carbon footprint of regional trains throughout their lifespan.
Interestingly, the most significant contributor to carbon emissions in this model wasn’t the HFC or the battery itself, but the production of hydrogen fuel. This underscores the importance of using renewable energy for hydrogen production to fully maximize the environmental benefits of HFC technology. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9174863
- author
- Jawadwala, Murtaza LU
- supervisor
-
- Martin Tunér LU
- organization
- course
- MVKM05 20241
- year
- 2024
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- EU-Rail Flagship Project 6 (Future), Hydrogen Fuel Cell, MATLAB/Simulink Modelling, Regional Rail, Sustainable Transportation, Zero-Emission Technology.
- report number
- LUTMDN/TMHP-24/5601-SE
- ISSN
- 0282-1990
- language
- English
- id
- 9174863
- date added to LUP
- 2024-09-25 13:56:21
- date last changed
- 2024-09-25 13:56:21
@misc{9174863,
abstract = {{This thesis investigates the potential of hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) technology as a sustainable alternative for regional rail transport within the framework of the EU-Rail Flagship Project 6. The thesis focuses on developing a hybrid powertrain model that incorporates both HFC and battery technologies, implementing a rule-based energy management strategy to assess fuel consumption and environmental impact. A sensitivity analysis of powertrain configurations and State of Charge (SOC) reference levels were conducted. The findings reveal that lower SOC reference levels result in reduced hydrogen consumption and CO₂ emissions over the 30-year lifecycle of a regional train. The thesis concludes that while HFC technology shows promise for sustainable rail transport, its effectiveness depends on optimized energy management and the consistent use of renewable energy for hydrogen production.}},
author = {{Jawadwala, Murtaza}},
issn = {{0282-1990}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Assessment of Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Battery Technology for Regional Rail}},
year = {{2024}},
}