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Comparative analysis of SOFC–GT freight locomotive fueled by natural gas and diesel with onboard reformation

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  • Martinez, Andrew S.
  • Brouwer, Jacob
  • Samuelsen, G. Scott

Abstract

Due to increasing awareness of the deleterious environmental and health effects of diesel combustion emissions, major regulatory action and policy measures are focused on reducing emissions from diesel engines. Freight operations, including rail-based freight transportation, have received special attention as an industry where major change can be affected, especially in neighborhoods located near operations centers. A FORTRAN-based dynamic simulation model of an SOFC–GT (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell–Gas Turbine) system from a prior feasibility study has been adapted to analyze system operation along a representative but demanding route in southern California. In previous simulations with the model, the basic operational feasibility of the system has been demonstrated as well as the in-service operation for pre-reformed fuels. In the current study, the analysis is extended to include reformation of two fuels (diesel and natural gas) onboard the locomotive and analyses of system efficiency, fuel consumption, CO2 emission, and NOx emission that can be attained through careful thermal integration of the reformer unit. Route-averaged fuel-to-wheels system efficiencies of 60% and 52% are predicted for natural gas and diesel fuel, respectively. Additionally, SOFC–GT operation could provide (1) a reduction approaching 98% in NOx for both fuels; (2) a 54% savings in CO2 for operation on natural gas; and (3) a 30% CO2 reduction for operation on diesel fuel compared to state-of-the-art locomotive technology. These gains may be offset by design challenges, especially for the diesel case, due to the requirement for large volumes of water to support the reformation process even for medium-length freight hauling trips.

Suggested Citation

  • Martinez, Andrew S. & Brouwer, Jacob & Samuelsen, G. Scott, 2015. "Comparative analysis of SOFC–GT freight locomotive fueled by natural gas and diesel with onboard reformation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 421-438.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:148:y:2015:i:c:p:421-438
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.01.093
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    Cited by:

    1. Azizi, Mohammad Ali & Brouwer, Jacob, 2018. "Progress in solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine hybrid power systems: System design and analysis, transient operation, controls and optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(C), pages 237-289.
    2. Mohammad shafie, Mohammad & Ali rajabipour, & Mehrpooya, Mehdi, 2022. "Investigation of an electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to ethanol and solid oxide fuel cell, gas turbine hybrid process," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 1112-1129.
    3. Ahsan, Nabeel & Hewage, Kasun & Razi, Faran & Hussain, Syed Asad & Sadiq, Rehan, 2023. "A critical review of sustainable rail technologies based on environmental, economic, social, and technical perspectives to achieve net zero emissions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 185(C).
    4. Ji, Zhixing & Qin, Jiang & Cheng, Kunlin & Liu, He & Zhang, Silong & Dong, Peng, 2019. "Performance evaluation of a turbojet engine integrated with interstage turbine burner and solid oxide fuel cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 168(C), pages 702-711.
    5. Sadeghi, Mohsen & Chitsaz, Ata & Mahmoudi, S.M.S. & Rosen, Marc A., 2015. "Thermoeconomic optimization using an evolutionary algorithm of a trigeneration system driven by a solid oxide fuel cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 191-204.
    6. Kinnon, Michael Mac & Razeghi, Ghazal & Samuelsen, Scott, 2021. "The role of fuel cells in port microgrids to support sustainable goods movement," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 147(C).
    7. Wu, Xiao-long & Xu, Yuan-wu & Zhao, Dong-qi & Zhong, Xiao-bo & Li, Dong & Jiang, Jianhua & Deng, Zhonghua & Fu, Xiaowei & Li, Xi, 2020. "Extended-range electric vehicle-oriented thermoelectric surge control of a solid oxide fuel cell system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(C).
    8. Ji, Zhixing & Qin, Jiang & Cheng, Kunlin & Guo, Fafu & Zhang, Silong & Zhou, Chaoying & Dong, Peng, 2020. "Determination of the safe operation zone for a turbine-less and solid oxide fuel cell hybrid electric jet engine on unmanned aerial vehicles," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    9. Samsun, Remzi Can & Prawitz, Matthias & Tschauder, Andreas & Meißner, Jan & Pasel, Joachim & Peters, Ralf, 2020. "Reforming of diesel and jet fuel for fuel cells on a systems level: Steady-state and transient operation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    10. Mulholland, Eamonn & Teter, Jacob & Cazzola, Pierpaolo & McDonald, Zane & Ó Gallachóir, Brian P., 2018. "The long haul towards decarbonising road freight – A global assessment to 2050," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 216(C), pages 678-693.
    11. Ji, Zhixing & Qin, Jiang & Cheng, Kunlin & Guo, Fafu & Zhang, Silong & Dong, Peng, 2019. "Thermodynamics analysis of a turbojet engine integrated with a fuel cell and steam injection for high-speed flight," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 185(C), pages 190-201.
    12. Strogen, Bret & Bell, Kendon & Breunig, Hanna & Zilberman, David, 2016. "Environmental, public health, and safety assessment of fuel pipelines and other freight transportation modes," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 171(C), pages 266-276.
    13. Han, Gwangwoo & Lee, Sangho & Bae, Joongmyeon, 2015. "Diesel autothermal reforming with hydrogen peroxide for low-oxygen environments," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 156(C), pages 99-106.
    14. Sadeghi, Saber & Askari, Ighball Baniasad, 2019. "Prefeasibility techno-economic assessment of a hybrid power plant with photovoltaic, fuel cell and Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 168(C), pages 409-424.

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