Hybrid Locomotives Research Articles

An Energy Management Strategy for Multi-Stack Fuel Cell Hybrid Locomotives with Integrated Optimization of System Service Life

An Energy Management Strategy for Multi-Stack Fuel Cell Hybrid Locomotives with Integrated Optimization of System Service Life

Numerical study on the indoor flow field and ventilation performance in the power room of a hybrid locomotive that passes through a tunnel

Under the background of energy saving, emission reduction, and green transportation, the electrification construction of railway lines is difficult owing to long cycles and high costs. Hybrid locomotives have emerged as fuel locomotives that can run on electrified lines and that achieve energy saving, emission reduction, and railway emergency on non-electrified lines. Train power equipment is highly integrated in the locomotive power room, which leads to the ventilation and heat dissipation performance of indoor high-heat equipment becoming one of the main factors that affect the safe operation of trains. This study focuses on the flow field and ventilation of locomotive power rooms in railway vehicle/tunnel systems and explores the variation of the ventilation flow rate and flow field in a power room when trains pass through a tunnel at different speeds. Based on the unsteady Reynold-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations and shear-stress transformation (SST) k-ω turbulence model, the relative motion between a train and a tunnel is simulated by sliding mesh, and the related algorithm settings are verified through experiments. The results show that: train speed is linearly related to the air inlet flow rate, and trains have a critical speed, which affects the original indoor air-cooling circulation system. This critical speed is reduced by the tunnel environment; The propagation and superposition of the pressure wave in a tunnel have no evident effect on the flow rate of the power room vent; Train speed is negatively correlated with the fan efficiency; thus, it deteriorates the fan efficiency in the tunnel environment; The symmetrical distribution of ventilation openings in a power room can effectively balance the fresh-air flow, but it is not conducive to cooling equipment located near the locomotive. These conclusions can contribute to improving future designs of the ventilation systems of hybrid electric locomotive power rooms.

Fuel Cell Hybrid Locomotive with Modified Fuzzy Logic Based Energy Management System

As one of the most environmentally friendly energy sources today, fuel cells have become the focus of research in countries around the world, especially in the electric transportation field. This paper mainly studies the modeling of fuel cell hybrid locomotives (FCHL) including fuel cells, batteries, motors, and energy management systems. To increase the operating efficiency and improve the performance of FCHL, a modified fuzzy logic-based energy management system (MFL-EMS) is proposed and compared with the traditional power flow energy management system (PF-EMS). Meanwhile, a modified fuel cell hybrid power system model for locomotives is proposed, taking into account the traction motor features that, compared with a simplified controlled source load, can directly reflect the status of the locomotive running speed and the output power of the traction motor load. The proposed system parameters and configurations are determined by combining the characteristics of power and energy density, response characteristics, and charging/discharging characteristics of fuel cells and batteries. The precise simulation results revealed that adopting the proposed MFL-EMS in comparison to the traditional PF-EMS, reduced the hydrogen consumption by 2.943%. Comparing the battery output voltage, it is confirmed that with MFL-EMS it tends to be steeper than the one with PF-EMS, showing the proposed strategy’s robustness. Overall, the obtained results revealed an improved performance in terms of power distribution as well as SOC, which means less hydrogen consumption and therefore a more economical solution.

Analysis of positioning of wayside charging stations for hybrid locomotive consists in heavy haul train operations

Hybrid locomotive concepts have been considered as a step towards converting the railway industry into a green transport mode. One of the challenges in integrating a hybrid locomotive in the train consist is that the battery pack in the locomotive needs to be recharged during a long-haul trip which requires stopping of the train. A typical battery pack requires about 1 h to recharge which is unacceptable. With the improvement in the charging system, it is now possible that the same capacity battery pack could be recharged in 10–12 min which can be a competitive option for the railway companies. This paper proposes a method based on simulation to evaluate the positioning of charging stations on a train network. A typical example of a heavy haul train operation hauled by diesel-electric and hybrid locomotives is used to demonstrate the method by using simulation softwares. The result of the simulation study show that the method developed in this paper can be used to evaluate the state of charge (SoC) status of a hybrid locomotive along the track. It is also shown that the SoC status obtained by the simulation method can be further used to assess the positions of charging stations along the track at the design stage.

Prospects for using hydrogen on railway transport

The paper presents the results of a study on the prospects of using hydrogen in railway transport. Factors influencing the development of the hydrogen energy market in the world are considered. According to experts, the share of the Russian Federation may amount to 10-15 % of the world market. At the same time, South-East Asia is an important focus area for Russia. This is due to the availability of available raw materials (Sakhalin) and the short delivery time of hydrogen to the main consumers (China, Japan). Three key areas are identified as prospective research and development of the “Research & Development” program: 1 – generation, 2 – storage and transportation, 3 – consumption (use). The paper considers the main ways of using hydrogen fuel on autonomous traction rolling stock. In accordance with the energy strategy of the Russian Railways holding for the future until 2030, the main energy-saving technical solutions and technologies are the creation of a new generation of energy-efficient rolling stock. This also includes partial substitution of diesel fuel with the development of hydrogen fuel cells and the use of advances in the field of hydrogen energy. Currently, the company is working on the creation of serial two-diesel, hybrid locomotives, as well as gas-turbine and gas-thermal locomotives powered by liquefied natural gas. However, in terms of energy and environmental characteristics, the most promising type of fuel is hydrogen. Engineering solutions for generating hydrogen on board of locomotive are presented, and experimental results are presented. The developed hydrogen-aluminum generator makes it possible to organize a new approach in the working process of transport power plants by automatically feeding the initial components (aluminum) to the chemical reaction zone, depending on the locomotive engine’s demand for hydrogen in various operating modes.

Modeling Onboard Energy Storage Systems for Hybrid Traction Drives

The development of hybrid technologies for traction rolling stock manufactured for mainline, urban, and industrial railroad transport is a trend capable of improving the energy efficiency of transportation much better than any new conventional projects. The integrated and detailed study of the joint operation of main energy sources (catenary system, diesel generator outfits) and onboard energy storage systems as part of a single energy network on advanced-type traction rolling stock is of major importance to the broad and successful adoption of hybrid locomotives with a combined power plant. The highest efficiency in accumulating and utilizing electrical braking energy is attained in energy storage systems based on electrochemical current sources (electric batteries) and high-capacity supercapacitor batteries. This article considers the issue of mathematically modeling these onboard energy storage systems and the features of controlling a hybrid traction electric drive on rolling stock.

A Review on Fuel Cell-Based Locomotive Powering Options for Sustainable Transportation

Conventional locomotives employing diesel-based propulsion systems have raised concerns about the environment and hence sustainable development due to their emissions. To obtain an environmentally benign railway system, fuel cell-based locomotives are considered promising candidates owing to their high efficiencies as well as environmental performance. In the present study, a review of the development of fuel cell-based locomotives is conducted and their current progress is described. Further, investigations conducted on various aspects of these types of locomotives are discussed. The literature studies were found to be focused on four main areas namely (1) prototype design/analysis, (2) energy management, (3) feasibility and economic assessment and (4) environmental performance. Fuel cell-based hybrid locomotives entail the potential to reduce the environmental emissions considerably with similar investment costs as diesel fuel-based locomotives. Nearly 3318 tonnes/year of $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ emissions may be reduced by replacing diesel engine locomotives with fuel cell trains. Approximately 98% of $$\hbox {NO}_{\mathrm{x}}$$ emissions are estimated to be reduced with the utilization of hybrid fuel cell locomotives. Moreover, several control systems utilizing fuzzy logic control strategy have been proved to be efficient energy management aids for such locomotives. Overall locomotive efficiencies of 50.9% are achievable with the deployment of such control strategies that effectively manage the power demands between the fuel cells, batteries and supercapacitors.

Determination Parameters of a Hybridvehicle in Its Life Cycle

This work considered methods of selection of power plant and energy storage of hybrid vehicle. An analysis has been performed and its shortcomings are indicated. A generalized scheme to define optimal technical and economic indexes of hybrid vehicle is drawn up and adapted for shunting locomotive. A model was created on its base with appropriate restrictions, which takes into account the shortcomings of existing models.Parameters of different types of hybrid locomotives based on diesel locomotives series ChME3 were defined, depending on type of operation. Comparative traction characteristics of shunting locomotive series ChMe3 and diesel locomotive with hybrid transmission on the its base were built. Relevant calculations were fulfilled using these characteristics.

Traction modelling in train dynamics

This paper presents five locomotive traction models for the purpose of train dynamics simulations, such as longitudinal train dynamics simulations. Model 1 is a look-up table model with a constant force limit to represent the adhesion limit without modelling the wheel–rail contact. Model 2 is improved from Model 1 by empirically simulating locomotive sanding systems, variable track conditions and traction force reduction due to curving. Model 3 and Model 4 have included modelling of the wheel–rail contact and traction control. Model 3 uses a two-dimensional locomotive model while Model 4 uses a three-dimensional locomotive. Model 5 is based on Model 2 and developed to simulate hybrid locomotives. Demonstrative simulations are presented for the case of longitudinal train dynamics. The results show that the consideration of locomotive sanding systems, variable track conditions and traction force reduction have evident implications on the simulated traction forces. There can be up to 30% difference in the simulated traction forces. Simulated traction forces by models that consider the wheel–rail contact are about 10–15% lower than those simulated by models without consideration of the wheel–rail contact. This is mainly due to the variable friction in the wheel–rail contact and conservative traction control schemes.

Повышение энергетической эффективности локомотивов с накопителями энергии

Objective: The development of hybrid technologies is an aspect that carries serious changes for the railway industry, its design and technological base. These changes provide the scientific and technological breakthroughs to a much greater extent than the implementation of any new projects in traditional forms. Methods: Of great interest is the solution to the problem of hybrid locomotives and related power supply interaction. In addition, there are problems of quality and reliability of the rolling stock. The relationship between the three sets of technology, as well as the problem of support quality of the latter, becomes essential for the successful implementation of hybrid locomotives with a combined power plant. Results: The primary problems of locomotive projects in question are: electric power storage, in-depth modernization of the traction drive, and implementation of an optimal motion control algorithms in different modes. Increasing energy density stored in the traction battery, while reducing vehicle mass, ensures competitive advantages of eco-friendly hybrid locomotives versus traditional. The cost of the traction battery tends to dominate over the relevant economic parameters of other components of the traction drive hybrid locomotives, therefore, projects with a high technological level are relevant, while ensuring lower total weight of the vehicle. However, in the last decade, due to the increasing importance of electronic components in the transportation industry, along with the objectives stated above, problems of management optimization of rolling stock systems and provision of an appropriate level of quality control take center stage. Issues of energy storage application in the hybrid locomotive and their advantages over the currently used energy sources are considered in the article. Practical importance: It is shown that the use of a hybrid energy storage system will significantly increase the efficiency and reliability of the locomotive.

Reducing fuel consumption of diesel-electric locomotives using hybrid powertrain and fuzzy look-ahead control

Diesel-electric locomotives consume a significant amount of fuel in rail transportation systems. The power transmission system of these locomotives is similar to that of hybrid electric vehicles, so the available diesel-electric locomotives can be promoted to series hybrid locomotives by adding an energy storage source. In this study, the GM SD40-2 locomotive is considered as a case study and the series hybrid structure for this locomotive is designed and simulated by adding a lithium-ion battery pack. Additionally, control strategy plays an important role in reducing the amount of fuel consumed by hybrid electric vehicles. The fuzzy look-ahead control is applied as an online approach for fuel consumption reduction in railway transportation. A fuzzy controller modifies throttle position by accounting for the battery state of charge, the gradient and desired speed of the path ahead. The model developed in this study for train motion simulation considers the locomotive subsystems and satisfies the experimental fuel consumption data specified in the locomotive’s catalog. A simulation of a freight train with the GM SD40-2 locomotive on a local track showed considerable improvement of fuel economy when using series hybrid structure in conjunction with our proposed algorithm for diesel-electric locomotives.

The ViWaS Project: Future-proof Solutions for Wagonload Transport

Rail transports of single wagons or wagon groups are an indispensable part of the transport chain, such as for the forestry and the chemical industry. However, high production costs and low quality standards have led to a continuous decline in market shares in recent years. In order to counteract this tendency, ten European companies and research institutions, covering the areas of rail transport and logistics, have combined their forces in the scope of the research and development project ViWaS (Viable Wagonload Production Schemes). The goal: Innovative and simultaneously practical solutions for a sustainable wagonload transport. The applicability of these solutions and their effects have been proven with the aid of business cases in terms of field tests and pilot operations. The following main innovations have been achieved within the ViWaS project:(1)Improved “last-mile” operating concepts incorporating hybrid locomotives and bi-modal shunting engines (by Bentheimer Eisenbahn, Fret SNCF and SBB Cargo supported by HaCon and NEWOPERA): The new production method for last-mile delivery is based on the idea of separating train movements and sidings shunting processes by deploying bimodal road-rail tractors. Processes within the sidings have been simplified; as a result costs for equipment and staff could be reduced considerably. Hybrid locomotives are fundamental in securing a seamless access to regional distribution rail networks. Potential cost advantages have been identified comparing different traction combinations of real-life transport chains.(2)Modular wagon technologies for a flexible and efficient use of resources (by Wascosa and SBB Cargo): In detail, three components have been developed up to prototype status: Wascosa's Flex Freight Car is a light container wagon with an accessible floor and thereby applicable for various transport purposes. The Timber Cassette 2.0 is a new superstructure for log wood transport that features foldable stanchions and can be used in combination with a container wagon. In case the Timber Cassette is not loaded, it can be removed and stacked at the terminal or on a container wagon. Empty runs will be minimized generating efficiency improvements. Additionally, SBB Cargo has developed the so-called Container Loading Adapter, another add-on to a container wagon. It facilitates container loading and unloading in sidings. SBB Cargo will deploy this new component within the “Swiss Split” production system, combining intermodal with wagonload transport.(3)Smart wagon telematics allowing improved tracking at reduced costs (by Eureka): A separate abstract “Smart Telematics Enabling Efficient Rail Transport” (Contribution ID 875) has been submitted for TRA 2016).4.A new simulation tool for planning and optimizing single wagonload networks (by ETH Zürich): WagonSIM is an agent-based simulation tool for rail freight networks to facilitate the optimization of SWL production schemes. It is based on the OpenSource software MatSIM. The tool models the routing of freight wagons according to the routes within the real SWL network. Therefore, the modelling of two network levels is required, the production network and the physical infrastructure.The ViWaS project is co-financed by the European Commission in the scope of the Seventh Framework Programme.

Design and Analysis of Traction Drive System for Hybrid Locomotives using 5-Phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors as Traction Motors

Design and Analysis of Traction Drive System for Hybrid Locomotives using 5-Phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors as Traction Motors

Dynamic data-driven identification of battery state-of-charge via symbolic analysis of input–output pairs

Abstract This paper presents a dynamic data-driven method of pattern classification for identification of the state-of-charge (SOC) parameter in battery systems for diverse applications (e.g., plug-in electric vehicles and hybrid locomotives). The underlying theory is built upon the concept of symbolic dynamics, which represents the behavior of battery system dynamics at different levels of SOC as probabilistic finite state automata (PFSA). In the proposed method, (finite-length) blocks of battery data are selected via wavelet-based segmentation from the time series of synchronized input–output (i.e., current–voltage) pairs in the respective two-dimensional space. Then, symbol strings are generated from the segmented time series pairs in the sense of maximum entropy partitioning and a special class of PFSA, called the D-Markov machine, is constructed to extract the features of the battery system dynamics for pattern classification. To deal with the uncertainties due to the (finite-length) approximation of symbol sequences, combinations of (a priori) Dirichlet and (a posteriori) multinomial distributions are respectively adopted in the training and testing phases of pattern classification. The proposed concept of pattern classification has been validated on (approximately periodic) experimental data that have been acquired from a commercial-scale lead-acid battery.

Experimental Investigation of the Thermal Characteristics of Li-Ion Battery for Use in Hybrid Locomotives

The demand for the development of hybrid electric locomotives is increasing due to increased demand and cost of diesel oil, uncertainty in the steady supply of oil, and increased emissions standards. Electrical energy is lost from diesel-electric locomotives in the form of heat during dynamic braking. Using a regenerative braking system can improve the overall efficiency as it can be used later to provide traction force during acceleration. The objective of this study is to evaluate experimentally battery performance considering different discharge and charge rate, and investigate the thermal management requirements and thermal runaway effect of the batteries under a variety of environmental conditions. This was done in an environmental chamber, which controls temperature and humidity. This chamber is also fitted with an external window designed to allow thermal imaging from outside the unit. The batteries were monitored with thermal sensors and a thermal imaging camera while they were run through different load scenarios. Loads were applied using a computerized battery analyzer, which allows control over discharge rates and load cycles. Results indicate high discharge rates, above 1 C, and low operating temperatures, below 20 °C, greatly diminish capacity.

A Systemic Approach Integrating Driving Cycles for the Design of Hybrid Locomotives

Driving cycles are essential in hybrid locomotive design by conditioning their size and performance. This paper introduces a new systemic approach to hybrid locomotive design, taking real-world driving cycles into account. The proposed approach first exploits clustering analysis with the aim of identifying classes corresponding to particular sets of driving cycles. Then, a synthesis process of a reduced and representative profile from each class of driving cycles is presented. Both approaches are applied to the integrated optimal design of an autonomous hybrid (Diesel-electric) locomotive devoted to shunting and switching operations in nonelectrified areas.

Conceptual designs of hybrid locomotives for application as heavy haul trains on typical track lines

A computer simulation technique has been used to study and evaluate the potential for the application of hybrid locomotives to heavy haul operations on two typical track routes in Australia. The study envisages typical pit-to-port operations with large altitude changes. The train energy usage and the energy created by dynamic braking are analysed based on the simulation results. It is shown that the locomotives operate at an average power that is much less than full power. It is found that there is potential for hybrid heavy haul locomotive applications. Suggested methods and concept designs are proposed. Sizing of the energy storage system when it contained batteries, super-capacitors and flywheels was carried out for comparison purposes. The merits and problems with each concept are discussed.

Performance and Fuel Consumption Optimizations of Shunting Hybrid Locomotives

In recent years hybrid electric drive has become very popular in public transportation and automobiles. This article deals with hybrid drive technology and its impact on performance and energy consumption optimization of shunting locomotives in comparison with conventional diesel-electric locomotives. Based on classic longitudinal train dynamics theory of train movement and with support of simulation results, a comparison of electrochemical accumulators and super-capacitors impact is also introduced.

Longitudinal heavy haul train simulations and energy analysis for typical Australian track routes

Computer simulations are utilised to study the energy used by heavy haul trains and the amount of energy that can be generated from dynamic braking of these trains; these studies allow the potential for the application of hybrid locomotives to be evaluated. An in-house written software package is used to perform simulations on the energy balance between energy usage and the energy generated from dynamic braking for heavy haul operations on two typical track routes in Australia. The simulation results show that the energy generated from dynamic braking can contribute up to 30% of the energy used in locomotive traction. Detailed analyses show that the locomotives can operate at an average power that is much less than full power, and an energy hybridisation potential factor is defined, with the maximum factor reaching a value of 63%. This factor indicates the considerable potential for using hybrid locomotive traction in heavy haul applications.

HYBRID LOCOMOTIVES OVERVIEW OF CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS

Nowadays, transportation becomes a significant source, apart from factories and power plants, of air pollution. Therefore, due to legal restrictions on the emission of noxious gases, other power sources for vehicles are necessary. Some of these power sources allow replacement of the internal combustion engine completely, whereas the other ones only support the engine operation. Hence, a hybrid powertrain – alternative to the drivetrain equipped with an internal combustion engine only – is increasingly being used. The hybrid powertrain was mostly applied in cars and buses but recently it has been also used in railway vehicles such as locomotives and multiple units. The paper presents a shortened and brief overview of construction solutions of selected hybrid locomotives. A list of the applied hybrid drive systems as well as the basic data and properties are provided. The most important variants of vehicles are compared. The presented material allows identification of the development trends in the considered area. The hybrid locomotive usually uses an onboard rechargeable energy storage system, placed between the power source and the traction transmission system connected to the wheelsets. Modification of a classic diesel-electric locomotives is a relatively simple procedure since they have all the components of a series hybrid transmission except the storage battery. Therefore, the existing and operated diesel-electric locomotives can be modified to increase their efficiency and reduce operating costs and emissions.