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Abstract
All diesel-only trains in the UK will be removed from services by 2040. High volumetric density, rapid refuelling ability, and sophisticated experience in infrastructure and logistics make ammonia a perfect hydrogen carrying fuel for rail freight, which urgently requires an economically viable solution. This study conducted a novel techno-economic study of ammonia-fuelled fuel cell powertrains to be compared with current diesel engine-based system and emerging direct hydrogen-fuelled fuel cell system. The results demonstrate that hydrogen-fuelled Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and ammonia-fuelled PEMFCs (using an ammonia cracker) are more cost-effective in terms of Levelized Cost of Electricity. The ammonia fuel storage requires 61.5-75 % less space compared to the hydrogen storage. Although the ammonia-fuelled Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) powertrain has the highest electricity generation efficiency (56%), the overall cost requires a major reduction by 70% before it could be considered as an economically viable solution.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 103739 |
Journal | Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment |
Volume | 119 |
Early online date | 21 Apr 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2023 |
Keywords
- Ammonia
- Rail freight
- Fuel cells
- Techno-economic analysis
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Dive into the research topics of 'A techno-economic analysis of ammonia-fuelled powertrain systems for rail freight'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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Powering Carbon-free Autonomous Shipping: Ammonia/Hydrogen dual-fuelled Linear Engine-Generator
Wu, D. (Principal Investigator)
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council
1/01/20 → 31/12/21
Project: Research Councils