Impact of Flywheel-Energy-Storage Technology Upon Taxicab Fleet Operation in a Large Metropolitan City

摘要

The incorporation of flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) into automotive vehicles has been under consideration for some time. Previous studies have suggested that FESS can yield substantial benefits in automotive vehicle operation, particularly for urban driving. An assessment of the impacts resulting from incorporation of FESS into automotive fleets in a large metropolitan city is described. Specifically, the case of taxicab fleet operation within New York City is examined. Unique features of taxicab fleets are noted and taxicab operational characteristics within New York City are detailed. Based upon available New York City operational data, a levelized life-cycle cost comparison between a standard internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) in present use as a taxicab and a projected FESS/ICEV taxicab is generated. Energy-savings and environmental benefits are discussed, and potential institutional barriers to FESS implementation are identified. The results obtained from this study generally emphasize the value of incorporating flywheel energy storage systems into future vehicles designed for taxicab use.