Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of UAV Delivery Systems on Metropolitan Subway Tracks

Abstract

This study examines UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) delivery services using metropolitan subway tracks in South Korea. The aim of the study is to enhance the usefulness of UAV delivery services in urban areas, evaluating what kinds of UAVs are more environment friendly than freight trains, with regard to particulate matter emissions and global warming potential. Under evaluation conditions, freight train delivery was a significantly better alternative in terms of particulate matter emissions, regardless of the size and energy source of the UAVs. However, despite freight trains being a well-known eco-friendly mode of transportation, it can be seen from this study that small UAVs satisfied a few conditions that could potentially provide a good transportation alternative, with low global warming potential. This paper provides important insights into the comparison of UAVs and freight trains with regard to carbon and particulate matter emissions, highlighting the implications that, in some situations, UAVs can be a feasible alternative for policymakers who prepare policy measures of an activation plan for UAM (urban air mobility).