Thermo-economic analysis of Dual-Mode Hybrid Trains: concept development and possible applications

The paper describes a hybrid dual mode traction system consisting of a standard catenary-supplied, high-speed electrical motor coupled with a genuine hybrid configuration consisting of a gas turbine generator and a suitable pack of accumulators. The concept is first analysed in detail from a general feasibility point of view, and expressions are derived for its energy balances on an arbitrary mission profile. A specific simulator is then employed to verify the actual performance of the train on an assigned mission, representative of the average profile in a semi-mountainous portion of the Italian railroad system. Once the technical feasibility has been verified, an economic analysis is performed, to assess the relative advantage in terms of the investment net present value, NPV. The results is positive, so demonstrating that in this case environment benefits (-19% CO2) and cost reductions can be obtained at the same time.