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Hydrail: The World is Ready and New Progress Proves It
Zero Emission Rail Transport
Jun. 8, 2018
Article by
Nicolas Pocard
Hydrail: within the rail transportation sector it’s the word on everyone’s lips.
Why? Because using hydrogen fuel cells to power the traction motors in trains has moved from concept to reality. The momentum behind hydrail is building:
- international conferences and symposia have sprung up
- major train manufacturers have systems available or in development
- major railway operators and regions have committed to beginning the transition.
The world wants to replace diesel trains, and hydrogen train technology is ready to take its place.
CO2 emissions from diesel transit trains are a major contributor to global warming and to regional air pollution, especially in urban areas. Authorities are under growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, and diesel trains are an obvious target: trains are large, visible polluters, seen by every urban commuter and nearby resident.
As a result, many transit and rail systems operators are facing tough new emissions targets. Zero-emission trains are the fastest route to meeting those goals. And hydrogen fuel cell train technology is the most cost-effective solution. As more transit authorities embrace hydrail, the transition from diesel may take place far more quickly than anyone expects.
Download our free presentation to learn why hydrogen fuel cells are the most advanced zero-emission solution for rail applications >>
(Related post: High-Tech Hydrogen Trains are Revolutionizing Mass Transit)
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trains: Electric Trains With No Overhead Lines
Until recently, the only effective zero-emission solution was to power electric trains from a grid of overhead power lines called
catenary wires. Installation and maintenance of such a grid—of poles, wires and electrical infrastructure, comes with a massive cost. Electrification of existing tracks also includes major civil engineering work on bridges and overpasses.
Hydrogen trains, on the other hand, require no electrification infrastructure. They run on existing unmodified tracks. The trains are 100% electric. Each train generates its own electricity from its own hydrogen fuel cell, just as a diesel train carries its own diesel fuel.
The hydrogen fuel cells are refueled with hydrogen. Refueling takes about the same time as refueling a traditional diesel engine.
A Direct Diesel Replacement for Commuter Trains and Shunt Systems
Nearly any train route that is served by diesel trains can be served by a hydrail train. From regional and commuter train routes to shunt and yard systems, the replacement is one-to-one. No new infrastructure is required, beyond the hydrogen refuelling stations. [...]