Analysis of integrated solar PV modules in electric trains

Abstract

The paper assesses whether it is possible to incorporate PV modules into electric trains based on the case study of the VR Pendolino running in Finland. Four rooftop coverage cases of 25-100 percent were simulated by PVsyst. The system capacity of the system was 73.4 kWp under full coverage and produced an average of 57.5 MWh of electricity per year with a specific yield of about 778 kWh/kWp/year. Seasonality is obvious and most electricity was produced in summer, whereas electricity production in winter was extremely low. An hourby-hour analysis reveals that the maximum PV output was around 40 kW, whereas traction power consumption was significantly higher at around 1225 kW. Hence the input of PV into traction power was restricted. By contrast, the auxiliary load is roughly 150 kW, and the PV system can provide some 27 percent of the auxiliary demand when the system is operating at peak daytime output. The estimated LCOE is in the range of 0.2651 EUR/kWh and 0.2866 EUR/kWh depending on various roof coverage cases. Even though the present cost of electricity exceeds the Finnish grid price, the VIPV system has still the potential to reduce carbon emissions. Within 25 years of operation, the system would have saved about 71.9 tons of carbon emissions.