Decarbonisation cost optimisation for Diesel Railway traction system conversion

Zhang, Yizhe (2024). Decarbonisation cost optimisation for Diesel Railway traction system conversion. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

In the field of transportation, especially with trains, lowering carbon emissions is a very important problem. This thesis introduces a novel approach centred on cost optimisation for converting from diesel-powered trains to more environmentally sustainable alternatives. It combines different new green power technologies like electrification, hydrogen fuel cells, and batteries, with the goal to reduce carbon emissions and also keeping in mind the cost. A significant aspect of this research involves the development of a multi-mode train simulator. This innovation in railway technology enables accurate calculations of energy consumption and efficient management of various power systems in different operational scenarios. Its capability to handle train operation strategies is important, enabling more accurate assessments of the cost-effectiveness in decarbonisation strategies.
The study includes a detailed economic analysis over a period of 40 years. This analysis focuses mainly on the costs involved, including replacing diesel parts, installing new power systems, and their maintenance over a long time. This deep cost analysis gives important understanding about the money aspects of changing to green power in trains. Also, the research uses advanced methods like the Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimisation to accurately change important things such as how long the electrification should be and how powerful the energy systems need to be. These methods are used to find the best ways to save costs, showing a new way of looking at costs in making railways more eco-friendly.
The results of the study about saving money are obvious. The research shows that using trains with different modes could make the costs go down by 40.4% compared to normal diesel trains, as seen in the example of the train route from London St. Pancras to Leicester. This shows the financial good points of using different kinds of green power in trains. The study also looks at how trains powered by hydrogen might be used in the future. Right now, they are not as cost-saving as other choices, but the study says they might become better as the price of hydrogen goes down. This part of the research shows how new green power can change the way we think about making trains more eco-friendly in the future, especially about the costs.
In summary, this study is very important for making trains more eco-friendly, focusing a lot on saving costs. By bringing together new technologies and ways of doing things, it deals with environmental problems while also thinking a lot about how much things cost. The ideas and ways used in this study are very useful for making future plans and policies in trains, leading to a future that is both more sustainable and saves money.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):