Germany has a fleet of hydrogenpowered passenger trains
August 28, 2022
Emerging Technologies, Fuel Cell, Hydrogen, Hydrogen Economy, Hydrogen Technologies, Hydrogen Vehicle, Hydrogen Vehicles, Rail Transport,Germany recently introduced the world's first fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trains to replace 15 diesel trains operating on non-electrified tracks in Lower Saxony.
Important Points
The new trains will generate electricity by combining water and hydrogen and will be outfitted with a hydrogen tank and fuel cells on the roof. The excess energy will be stored in ion-lithium batteries, according to the company.
This project is expected to cost around 93 million euros (USD 92 million).
These bright blue Coradia iLint trains are built by Alstom, a French TGV manufacturer, and are more expensive than diesel-powered trains but more environmentally friendly.Green trains can travel 600 miles (1,000 km) and reach top speeds of 140 kph (87 mph) on a single tank of hydrogen, which is comparable to diesel trains' range.
Trains powered by hydrogen
Hydrogen trains are outfitted with fuel cells, which generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. This conversion process emits only steam and water, resulting in zero emissions. Excess energy is stored in ion-lithium batteries aboard the train.These trains are also very quiet. Furthermore, hydrogen fuel cells outperform batteries. Instead of being recharged, they can be easily refuelled like a gas or diesel engine.It is also simpler to construct refuelling infrastructure at railway stations for these trains.These trains can travel around 1,000 kilometres on a single tank of hydrogen, which is comparable to the range of diesel trains.
Many cities struggling to combat air pollution will find these trains appealing.
