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HYDROGEN TRAIN PROJECT IN SCOTLAND

Credit: The University of St. Andrews

Details on Hydrogen Train Project

Expected deploy 

2035

Partners

  • Leader: Scottish Enterprise

  • Collaborator: Transport Scotland

  • Contractor:  Ballard Motive Solutions (formerly Arcola Energy), Arup, Abbott Risk Consulting (ARC), AEGIS, and Angel Trains

Train

 40-year-old, three-car, former Scotrail Class 314 train has been converted into a platform 

Funder

  • Scottish Government: £300,000 ($385,644)

  • Angel Train: £500,000 ($704,515)

  • Transport Scotland

  • Scottish Enterprise

Maria Dayana Binti Mohamad Nasir (280596)

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OBJECTIVES

It is anticipated that the demonstration project will help the Scottish Government achieve its goal of decarbonizing the passenger rail sector by 2035. By 2035, diesel passenger trains are to be phased out, according the plan.

Proving that Scotland can modify rolling stock to install a hydrogen drive train.

Informing rail policy on the application of hydrogen train technology on the Scottish rail network

Working with the regulatory bodies to develop the necessary standards for the use of hydrogen powered passenger rolling stock

Demonstrating to Scotland’s rail community, the practical application of hydrogen fuel cell electric passenger rolling stock.

Credit: The University of St. Andrews

Providing Scotland’s supply chain with the opportunity to develop its skills and knowledge to apply to hydrogen fuel cell electric technologies on passenger rolling stock and understand the issues relating to hydrogen supply and refueling infrastructure.

Providing educational institutions with the opportunity to research the practical application of hydrogen fuel cell electric technologies within the rail industry.

Maria Dayana Binti Mohamad Nasir (280596)

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HOW HYDROGEN TRAIN WORKS ?

Trains can carry hydrogen onboard, making it useful for routes that don't have frequent services and are too expensive to electrify. Rail companies also looked into using batteries too. However, current technology doesn't allow them to store sufficient electricity to solely power a train. Right now, the primary focus of technology for powering trains with hydrogen is using hydrogen cells. Have you ever wondered how the whole system of hydrogen train works?

HYDORGEN TANKS - hydrogen stored in onboard tanks on the roof

FUEL CELLS - hydrogen from hydrogen tanks reacts with oxygen in fuel cells which generate heat, electricity and water

Maria Dayana Binti Mohamad Nasir (280596)

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HOW HYDROGEN TRAIN WORKS ?

Electricity from fuel cells powers wheel via traction unit during acceleration and is stored in lithium-ion batteries.

Click here for more 

Maria Dayana Binti Mohamad Nasir (280596)

BENEFITS OF HYDROGEN TRAINS

Environmental Friendly

They produce zero emissions, at the point of use, only emitting water and steam. This helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy Efficiency 

More efficient than diesel trains because they use fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity to power electric motors. This is more better than traditional combustion engines.

Versatility

Hydrogen train provide flexibility because they can be refueled relatively quickly, similar to refueling diesel trains. They also have longer range compared to electric trains, making them suitable for routes without electrification infrastructure

Modernization of Transportation

It represents a shift towards a cleaner and more innovative transportation of technologies, encouraging investment in research and development for more sustainable modes of travel

Reduces Noise Pollution

Hydrogen trains tend to be more quiter than diesel trains which makes them more suitable for urban and residential areas

Promotion for Hydrogen Economy

Its implementation encourages the development of hydrogen infrastructure, which can have broader implications for a more sustainable energy future beyond just transportation.

Maria Dayana Binti Mohamad Nasir (280596)

COUNTRY THAT USES HYDROGEN TRAINS AS OF 2022

Germany

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The Coradia iLint Hydrogen Train

It is the world's first hydrogen powered passenger train. It was designed by Alstom team in Saltzgitter. On Thursday, 15th September 2022, the Alstom Coradia iLint has successfully traveled 1175 km without refuelling its hydrogen tank. It has been in operation between various cities such as Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervorde, and Buxtehude.

Credit: Alstom

United Kingdom

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HydroFLEX Train

It was built by Potterbrook with partnership with the University of Birmingham, with grant funding from Innovate UK. The first unit successfully started the first phase of testing in September 2020, achieving top speeds of 50mph. It was tested on the mainline network in the UK, with trials running between different stations including Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Oxfordshire. 

Credit: Birmingham University

Maria Dayana Binti Mohamad Nasir (280596)

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