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

Author

Listed:
  • Bandar Jubran Alqahtani

    (Power Systems, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
    Mechanical Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Bandar Jubran Alqahtani & Mussab Aleraij & Abdulhadi Alajmi, 2025. "Decarbonization Pathway for Train Systems Using a Supercapacitor Energy Storage Charged by Distributed Solar PV Systems: A Case Study for Saudi Arabia," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-28, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:4:p:877-:d:1589693
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sergio Mayrink & Janaína G. Oliveira & Bruno H. Dias & Leonardo W. Oliveira & Juan S. Ochoa & Gustavo S. Rosseti, 2020. "Regenerative Braking for Energy Recovering in Diesel-Electric Freight Trains: A Technical and Economic Evaluation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Burke, Andrew, 2000. "Ultracapacitors: Why, How, and Where is the Technology," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt9n905017, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    3. Alqahtani, Bandar Jubran & Patiño-Echeverri, Dalia, 2016. "Integrated Solar Combined Cycle Power Plants: Paving the way for thermal solar," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 927-936.
    4. Campos, Javier & de Rus, Gines & Barron, Iñaki, 2007. "The cost of building and operating a new high speed rail line," MPRA Paper 12396, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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