Comparison study on life-cycle costs of different trams powered by fuel cell systems and others. (15th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Wenbin; Li, Jianqiu; Xu, Liangfei; Ouyang, Minggao; Liu, Yuwen; Han, Qingjun; Li, Kelei
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 41:Number 38(2016)
• Page Start: 16577
• Page End: 16591
• Publication Date: 2016-10-15
• Subjects: Proton exchange membrane fuel cell -- Hybrid powertrain -- Tram -- Life-cycle cost; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.03.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Proton exchange membrane fuel cells have shown great promise for powering trams. Hydrogen refueling stations and a fuel-cell system incur initial vehicle costs that are higher than a pantograph/catenary tram or contact-rail tram. In this paper, a life-cycle cost analysis is conducted for five trams: a pantograph/catenary tram, a contact-rail tram, and three fuel-cell hybrid trams. Characteristics of fuel-cell hybrid trams are compared with contemporary transit systems. A simplified life-cycle cost model, including costs for the initial infrastructure and powertrains, daily operation and power plant replacement, is proposed and calculated with parameters. A sensitivity analysis is also performed. Results show that the life-cycle costs of trams are almost proportional to the rail-line length. The initial costs of a fuel-cell hybrid tram are less than a pantograph/catenary tram or contact-rail tram. The life-cycle costs of fuel-cell hybrid trams are highly dependent on combination factors of hydrogen price, fuel-cell price and battery price. Charging facilities for fuel-cell hybrid trams are favorable when hydrogen price is in a high level. Greenhouse gas emissions of trams are almost equivalent. Highlights: A life-cycle cost model including greenhouse gas emissions for trams is proposed. The Life-cycle costs of fuel-cell hybrid trams are compared with other trams. Hydrogen and fuel-cell-module price are the most sensitive factors than others.