Prototyping of Self-Sufficient Electric Traction Systems

Abstract

This work presents the development of an electric traction system powered by a net-zero emissions energy supply. Although the final traction element remains a conventional electric system, the key innovation lies in its power source. The main challenge is to create an energy supply that is not only carbon-neutral but also self-sufficient, viable, and reliable. To address this, we propose a disruptive shift: replacing conventional electrically powered engines with Self-Sufficient Power Machines (SSPMs). This approach eliminates the need for an external electric supply and enables autonomous railway cars to integrate SSPM-based resources to power all services, including traction and critical systems. Since it requires no external power input, it offers unlimited autonomy—an essential advantage for eliminating external energy supply systems, which represent a significant cost.

Results from a generic case study using eight cascaded power units operating at temperatures between 330 K and 750 K confirm the system’s self-sufficiency. The calculated net positive output of 859 kJ/kg-cycle, after accounting for feedback heat, demonstrates the system's ability to sustain its own operation while generating a substantial amount of useful work.