The EU Project FCH2RAIL - Fuel Cell Hybrid PowerPack for Rail Applications

Abstract

The project FCH2RAIL aims to combine the advantages of electric traction with overhead catenary and fuel cell hybrid powertrain for non-electrified track in a Bi-mode multiple unit. The intention is to replace the polluting diesel powertrain currently used on non-electrified tracks by a Fuel Cell Hybrid PowerPack (FCHPP). This FCHPP is consisting of fuel cells and batteries; it will reduce emissions significantly and still have a highly-efficient catenary-electric powertrain in the same multiple unit. The main tasks and results of FCH2RAIL project are: 1. to develop, build, test and homologate a Fuel Cell Hybrid PowerPack (FCHPP). This scalable, modular and multi-purpose energy source shall be applicable for new vehicles in different rail applications (Multiple Unit, Mainline and Shunting Loco) and also suitable for retrofitting existing trains. 2. to demonstrate FCHPP in a Bi-mode Civia commuter multiple unit. This demonstrator will use external energy supply in catenary operation and the fuel cell hybrid system on non-electrified sections. 3. to identify and benchmark innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency in fuel cell trains. The competitiveness of fuel cell traction against existing diesel solutions shall be demonstrated, and the energy saving potentials of innovative HVAC systems will be analysed. 4. to propose a normative framework for hydrogen in railway vehicles, to identify Gaps in existing hydrogen and railway standards and to contribute to existing standardisation activities.