Development of a Rule-Based, Modular Powertrain Algorithm for Fuel Cell Hybrid Railway Vehicles

Kurzfassung

Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Multiple Units (FCEMU) for regional passenger rail services are a promising solution to replace diesel traction on the large number of non-electrified tracks where electrification is prohibitive. FCEMUs have zero local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and if used with renewably sourced hydrogen are a net zero GHG emission transport solution. A modularised powertrain of fuel cell and battery modules paves the way to develop FCEMUs for a variety of specifications whilst taking advantage of mass production. To assist in this development of FCEMUs, a rule-based, modular powertrain layout algorithm Hybridisation Tool is proposed. This tool is intended to serve as a decision support to manufacturers and rail operators and helps expose this novel technology to a wide application range.