Abstract
This work deals with a technical and economical comparison between hydrogen and liquid natural gas (LNG) fueled buses with reference to the standard solution based on diesel fuel internal combustion engines. The level of service is evaluated considering the number of buses replaced and the average kilometers traveled each year for two levels. The economical comparison is made using the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) method considering capital and operating costs. The costs of LNG and Diesel (at the pump in Italian market) are estimated with reference to the year 2020. Furthermore, an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions will be carried out starting from energy needs, adopting a “cradle to grave” approach, thus evaluating emissions from the well to the tank and from the tank to the wheel. The results show that the operating costs (0.778 €/km) of LNG solution are lower than the Diesel ones (1.072 €/km), while the hydrogen buses can become competitive in the next few .The production of hydrogen with water electrolysis considering the current electricity costs of the Italian market is expensive and involves a cost to the hydrogen pump 7,60 €/kg which makes the operating cost of the hydrogen solution is equal to about 1.420 €/km which makes this solution uncompetitive. It is also important to underline that the cost of green hydrogen production from water electrolysis strongly depends on the cost of electricity. The Life Cicle Analisis (LCA) analysis shows strong environmental benefits of the hydrogen solution in terms of CO2eq if the hydrogen is produced by electrolysis using renewable energy sources. In the other cases, the advantage of using hydrogen is not very strong as it is associated with the use of fossil fuels that release climate-altering substances.
Highlights
Issues related to Climate Changes boost the research of innovative solutions to radically reduce emissions
The results show that the operating costs (0.778 €/km) of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) solution are lower than the Diesel ones (1.072 €/km), while the hydrogen buses can become competitive in the few .The production of hydrogen with water electrolysis considering the current electricity costs of the Italian market is expensive and involves a cost to the hydrogen pump 7,60 €/kg which makes the operating cost of the hydrogen solution is equal to about 1.420 €/km which makes this solution uncompetitive
This paper shows that the LNG solution is, nowadays, an improvement of Diesel fueled internal combustion engine (DF Bus) solution both from economic and environmental point of view
Summary
Issues related to Climate Changes boost the research of innovative solutions to radically reduce emissions. Focusing on the Italian case it is possible to see that most of the pollution-related diseas are related to the low efficiency (and relatively large emissions) of public transportation, pushing travelers and commuters to use private cars instead of choosing public or shared mobility [5]. In this context, the energy transition can be achieved through a gradual shift from a system mostly based on fossil fuels to a more sustainable and renewable energy mix. In combination with fuels cells, it can improve energy efficiency in transport and contribute strongly to mitigate climate change especially when produced by renewable primary energy sources (green hydrogen)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
