Utilizing fuel cell technology for Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)

Abstract

The need for developing environmentally friendly and sustainable energy sources is globally evident. This is due to two main reasons: Fossil fuels will continue to supply energy demands for only a few more decades and the amount of pollution generated due to fossil fuels is exceeding acceptable limits. One very promising clean energy converter is the fuel cell (FC). Fuel cells have the ability to convert the chemical energy of their feed fuel to electricity through a chemical process without involving combustion, which significantly reduces harmful emissions such as NOx. Fuel cells generate absolutely no harmful emissions when their fuel supply is pure hydrogen and they are more efficient than internal combustion engines. This research will investigate the feasibility of utilizing fuel cells in the public transportation system of Dubai operated by the Roads & Transportation Authority (RTA), in order to gradually replace transportation fleets running on fossil fuel engines to engines running on pure hydrogen. The Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is one of the leading technologies which has started to replace internal combustion engines. However, technology development, cost, durability and lack of relevant infrastructures are the biggest challenges to the implementation of FC.

Review of Energy Challenges and Horizons of Hydrogen City Buses

“…Figure 7 roughly demonstrates different efficiency estimates of the four types of buses. It is considered that a diesel bus normally consumes 19-24 L per 100 km [80,81] and a bus propelled by LPG consumes 10-15% more, that is, 21-27 L. These data are reasonable for high-density traffic in urban areas, but surely not for long-mileage cruises.…”

An Investigation into the Viability of Battery Technologies for Electric Buses in the UK

“…Typically, traditional ICU buses consume approximately 24 L of fuel per 100 km, traveling at an average speed of 60 km/h [39]. This means a diesel bus will consume an average of 150 L of fuel (assuming three round trips on an average route within a 9-10 h shift) with current wholesale diesel prices (131.88 pence per liter), which costs GBP 197.82 per bus per shift for fuel alone [40]. One advantage of using fossil fuels lies in the government's capability to temporarily reduce or completely alleviate any fuel duty imposed on wholesale fuel sales [42].…”

“…This measure aims to ensure public transport's affordability during crises, especially when the fuel cost per liter significantly surpasses historical averages due to shortages and supply chain disruptions. Before this increase (using prices from January 2019, 96.85 pence [40]), the daily cost per shift would have been GBP 145.89 per bus. This results in the saving of GBP 51.93, translating to substantial savings when extended across an entire fleet of buses.…”