CRRC’s hydrogen hybrid shows way for rail transit

Rolling Stock and Manufacturing

CRRC’s successful hydrogen fuel cell train.

Chinese hydrogen fuel cell hybrid shows way for rail transit

With climate change and emission control proving to be major challenges for the rail industry, stakeholders continue to seek more sustainable fuel options, including the use of hydrogen as a train fuel.

The first hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotive made in China has successfully completed its on-line trial operation.

Manufactured by CRRC, this new type of hydrogen fuel cell hybrid unit first ran offline in January this year.

The locomotive boasts the following main technical parameters: • Gauge: GB146.1(1A,3) /Adjustable • Continuous power: ≥700kW • Max operating speed: 80km/h • Bogie arrangement: Bo-Bo • Axle load: 17т • Max ambient temperature: -300C to ~ +400C • Weight: 68t • Starting traction force: ≥250kN • Lithium battery capacity: 294.4kWh • Altitude: ≤2500m

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

According to the company, the locomotive uses the hybrid power mode of a batterydriven hydrogen fuel cell for power supply, which can realise zero emission and recycle the braking energy.

“Compared with the traditional shunting locomotive, it is more green and energysaving,” it said.

CRRC said hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotives also generate lower noise.”

The locomotive adopts CO2 refrigerant air-conditioning, which is safe, stable and non-combustible, thereby improving the environmental protection performance.

DRIVING COMFORT AND SAFETY

The cab has sufficient space to accommodate at least three people in addition to the driver.

“The cab uses cold and hot airconditioning, and is equipped with foot and knee heating stoves to provide a comfortable driving environment for drivers and passengers,” the company stated.

“The driver control personnel can clearly observe the locomotive running road conditions and coupler information through the video monitoring display screen, which is convenient for the driving and control of the crew.

“Drivers and passengers can pass through the locomotive safely through the outer corridor.”

ENERGY SAVING AND OPERATING COSTS

Braking feedback energy is absorbed through lithium batteries to “realise energy savings’” in the operation of the locomotive.

“The energy management strategy makes hydrogen fuel cell systems work economically, improves energy utilisation efficiency and reduces operation cost,” the company said.

MODULARISATION PLATFORM

A modular design is employed, with the power system able to be customised and developed according to user needs.

The types of power system configuration modes are: • Battery plus diesel power pack • Battery plus hydrogen fuel cell system

With carbon emissions a major environmental concern, many countries and governments have enforced strict standards on environment protection.

“Enterprises have to address the emission issues sooner or later,” CRRC said.

“Clean energy will be the best choice, compared to the huge costs needed to solve pollution problems.”

CRRC said its hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotive has set a successful example for the future of the rail transit field.

See page 2 for more information about purchasing from CRRC.