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Fuel Cell Systems has demonstrated the feasibility of using hydrogen cells to power trains in a study conducted for the UK rail industry.

Performed in collaboration with the University of Birmingham and Hitachi Rail Europe, the six-month study indicated that hydrogen fuel cell technology can be retrofitted to increase the life of current rolling stock.

The study also showed that fuel cells are a clean alternative for the self-powered regional trains in the country.

Funded by Rail Safety and Standards Board ( RSSB) and Network Rail, the project established that using the technology could cut journey times, reduce emissions at the point of use and improve passenger comfort.

To examine the real-life applications, the study included mathematical modelling on known rail routes such as the Norwich to Sheringham.

Fuel Cell Systems managing director Tom Sperrey said: "Compared to traditional engines, fuel cell vehicles are cleaner, emitting no exhaust fumes, just a small quantity of pure water. They are going to be a major contributor in combatting atmospheric pollution.”

It is expected that the hydrogen fuel cell powered trains would complement the future electrification of the railway network, eliminate the interruption in services caused by installation of overhead wires, or modifications to bridges and tunnels during full electrification.

While the technology has already been tested in Japan in 2006, China has introduced a fully operational hydrogen-powered tram in Qingdao in 2015, and Germany is planning to electrify the 1,100km railway network in the Schleswig-Holstein region by 2025

Alstom has run the first tests of its Coradia iLint passenger train, claimed to be the first in the world to be run on electricity from a hydrogen fuel cell. The test, which took place at the company’s test track in Lower Saxony, Germany, saw the train running at 80km/h.

The test was the beginning of four weeks of trials of the iLint, which will check the stability of the energy supply system and the interface between pneumatic and electric brakes. Alstom claims that the train uses a combination of innovative technologies, such as clean energy conversion, flexible battery storage, and smart management of traction power and available electricity. While for its tests the train is running on hydrogen produced as a byproduct of industrial processes, Alstom envisages train services running on hydrogen produced by wind power.

Tests are also underway in Velim, Czech Republic, during which the train will run at its full-service speed of 140km/h. Static trials have already been completed, during which Alstom verified all the electrical and pneumatic functions, including the pressure tank that holds the hydrogen fuel, the battery and the fuel cell itself. Based on the company’s diesel train, the Coradia iLint is being targeted at non-electrified rail routes.

In the past, I have walked past lines of taxis without too much note ... but in St Albans this last week I couldn't help noticing a line of 8, all with their engines running, waiting to be hired in the town centre. A a faint odour that was probably doing me not good what so ever. Big lines of taxis waiting at the station and rush hour jams all over the place - thank goodness I live aways from this. It has me wondering just how much difference diesel trains versus other transport modes really make.

CRRC subsidiary Qingdao Sifang has secured a contract to deliver eight hydrogen-powered tramcars.

Designed for a maximum speed of 70km/h, the trams can each carry 285 passengers. The trams will operate on the 17.4km Gaoming Line in Guangdong province, China, which will open for public use in 2018.

Dr. Kevin Colbow, Ballard Vice President – Technology and Product Development said, “We have worked very closely with CSR Sifang over the past 18-months on the development of a 200 kilowatt fuel cell solution for light rail applications. We expect our collaboration with CSR Sifang will lead to the world’s first commercial deployment of a fuel cell-powered tram line, which should open opportunities globally.”

Each of the fuel cell trams on the Gaoming Line will have a capacity of 285 passengers and a maximum speed of 70 km/hour. The Gaoming Line will be 17.4 kilometers long, with 20 stops. In addition to delivering strong operating performance, the fuel cell trams will have a longer range and be more environmentally-friendly than traditional trams.

World's first zero-emissions train that only emits steam completes its first test run

Only if the electricity is generated by non-carbon emitting means.

As a thought, though: what are the practical problems of connecting fuel cells or batteries to existing traction motors, replacing the existing diesel engine and generator sets?