Optimization of comfort-related energy and thermal comfort for commuter trains : A case study of Stockholm commuter trains

Abstract: Today, energy efficiency is an increasingly important question in which progress is accelerating. One of the high electricity demand energy users is public transport. In addition, passenger satisfaction with thermal comfort is an important parameter. Consequently, it is essential to consider thermal comfort in combination with the energy-saving measures of thermal-related functions. Unfortunately, there have not been a lot of investigations into improving the energy efficiency of the thermal-related functions on commuter trains, where most of the focus has been on traction energy. The first part consisted of a literature study to explore thermal-related functions, energy saving, and thermal comfort of commuter trains. At least three articles have utilized the methodology of evaluating energy measures in IDA ICE; however, none of them has considered door openings that are frequent on commuter trains. The literature study concluded which efficiency measures can be applicable for short-haul distance trains and typical approaches to evaluating thermal comfort. A commuter train is a complex and transient thermal environment, with passengers entering and leaving the train in short intervals, airflows, temperature fluctuations, and the train's movement. Simplifications of the model were made to simulate the average ambient conditions. To validate and adapt the IDA ICE model, experimental measurements were done during the winter season using a thermal camera, air speed, and temperature measurements. The model was validated through experimental measurements and data analysis. In addition, data analysis was used for evaluating some of the energy measures through available live and history-data of the train fleet. The energy efficiency measures, which are quantifiable, have been quantified using the simulation model in combination with the data-analysis. Three categories of energy-saving measures are proposed: easily implementable, medium, and measures that require physical changes of the train components. Parking mode has a lot of saving potential of 34 % of annual energy compared to baseline. With a reversible heat pump of 11 kW, heating energy saving of 43 %, and 40 % energy coverage could be obtained, with the potential for up to 100 % energy coverage but being in the category of hard to implement. Door opening reduction with a potential saving of 11 000 kWh per train in annual energy, as compared to the baseline simulated model, being in the category of easy to implement. Balancing temperature heating shutdown could save between 3 100 to 9 500 kWh per train. A setpoint temperature of 18°C could save 16.5 %, and a variable temperature setpoint curve was proposed with similar savings. Ventilation control was among those measures with the highest potential; recirculation, CO2 and temperature-controlled ventilation heating energy saving of 31 % was simulated. Thermal comfort was improved in the measures affecting thermal conditions. With a setpoint temperature of 18°C during winter and based on clothing values derived from the literature study, an improvement of thermal comfort was observed in the PMV scale for thermal comfort. With combined energy efficiency measures, the simulation results showed a reduction of heating energy of 59 %, and in addition the fan power consumption could be reduced in magnitude of up to 12 000 kWh per train and year. Finally, further suggestions on research within the area were proposed, mainly to make more long-time measurements and to improve the possibility of energy follow-up by improving the data channels and available information.