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Hydrogen-electricity hybrid-energy system with superconducting-battery energy storage for urban rail transit: design, case study, and techno-economic analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Fu, Lin
  • Chen, Yu
  • Li, Shijuan
  • Zhang, Mingshun
  • Jiang, Shan
  • Chen, Xiaoyuan
  • Shen, Boyang

Abstract

Urban rail transit networks are huge energy consumers. This paper proposes a novel hydrogen-electricity hybrid-energy system for urban rail transit, with liquid hydrogen and the superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) and battery energy storage (BES) hybrid energy storage system (HESS). The study shows that the proposed SMES-BES HESS technology can properly provide energy compensation and conversion for the frequent acceleration/braking of metros. The overall hydrogen-electricity hybrid-energy system for urban rail transit can utilize the surplus renewable energy and energy waste caused by regenerative braking of metros, and produce clean hydrogen for nearby infrastructures. The economic analysis shows that the payback period of the SMES-BES HESS is around 9 years and the payback period of the overall hydrogen-electricity hybrid-energy system for urban rail transit is 14.6 years (both with discount rates). In summary, the novel hydrogen-electricity hybrid-energy system with SMES-BES HESS technology can greatly enhance the energy utilization and coordination of urban rail transit system, and promote the deep integration of railway systems and clean energies.

Suggested Citation

  • Fu, Lin & Chen, Yu & Li, Shijuan & Zhang, Mingshun & Jiang, Shan & Chen, Xiaoyuan & Shen, Boyang, 2026. "Hydrogen-electricity hybrid-energy system with superconducting-battery energy storage for urban rail transit: design, case study, and techno-economic analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 405(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:405:y:2026:i:c:s0306261925019282
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.127198
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