Session: 09-13-03: Design Analysis and Optimization of Energy Conversion Systems III

Paper Number: 166287

Energy Inventory in the Saint Louis Metropolitan Area: Analyzing the Transportation Sector 

Understanding energy use in transportation is fundamental to fostering sustainability and efficiency in urban environments. As metropolitan areas expand, the demand for energy-efficient and environmentally responsible transportation solutions grows. Identifying and addressing inefficiencies in energy consumption is critical to reducing emissions, optimizing fuel use, and enhancing overall transportation system performance. This study focuses on the Saint Louis Metropolitan Area, assessing energy consumption across various modes of transportation, including private vehicles, public buses, and trains. Through a combination of data collection and energy analysis, we aim to quantify fuel usage, evaluate inefficiencies, and provide insights into potential areas for improvement. 

To better understand transportation energy dynamics, we analyze the sector’s role within the overall energy landscape of the city, comparing socioeconomic demographics with energy consumption patterns. Energy distribution in urban transportation is often linked to economic factors, infrastructure, and travel behavior. By examining these relationships, we aim to provide a more comprehensive view of how energy is utilized and where inefficiencies arise. 

Our methodology involves obtaining and analyzing fuel consumption data from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT), USDOT Federal Highway Administration, and Federal Transit Administration. This dataset includes gasoline and diesel usage within the city and the broader metropolitan area, allowing us to estimate total fuel demand and energy efficiency levels. We further integrate socioeconomic data, including income distribution, population density, and commuting patterns, to examine how different social groups contribute to and are affected by energy consumption in transportation. 

Preliminary findings suggest a potential relationship between socioeconomic status and transportation energy use. Higher-income areas may have greater rates of private vehicle ownership and fuel consumption, while lower-income communities often rely more on public transit, facing certain accessibility challenges. We are exploring the idea that urban centers may demonstrate higher energy efficiency, potentially due to shorter travel distances and a greater reliance on public transportation. In contrast, we are also considering how suburban and rural areas might experience higher per capita energy consumption, possibly as a result of longer commutes and limited transit options. 

Addressing transportation inefficiencies requires a multifaceted approach, including improved urban planning, technological advancements in vehicle design, and the promotion of alternative fuels. The electrification of public transit, combined with the increased adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles and improved traffic management strategies, could greatly enhance overall energy efficiency in the region. Transitioning to electric and hybrid transport can significantly reduce emissions, demonstrating a tangible benefit for the environment. Furthermore, integrating renewable energy sources into the transportation sector offers a promising opportunity to further lower the city's carbon footprint. 

This study provides a foundational understanding of energy flow within urban transportation systems, offering insights for policymakers and city planners to develop more sustainable mobility solutions. Future research will explore further opportunities to integrate clean energy technologies and innovative transport strategies to enhance sustainability in the Saint Louis Metropolitan Area. 

Presenting Author: Danahe Marmolejo Saint Louis University

Presenting Author Biography: Danahe Marmolejo is a Chemical Engineer who earned her Ph.D. from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in 2012. Her research focuses on exergy analysis and process integration of thermal systems. In 2015, she joined the Division of Science and Engineering at the University of Guanajuato, where she taught chemical and physics engineering courses and contributed to research in energy systems. In 2022, she became an Assistant Professor at Saint Louis University, where she teaches first-year engineering courses, Thermodynamics, Statics, Dynamics, and Sustainable Energy Systems. Dr. Marmolejo is committed to hands-on and entrepreneurially minded learning in engineering education. She was recognized as a 2024 Campus Rising Star for KEEN and is an Engineering Unleashed Fellow for her innovative teaching approaches.

Authors:

Jose Montoya Saint Louis University
Clayton Stout Saint Louis University
Danahe Marmolejo Saint Louis University
Onesimo Sandoval Saint Louis University