Hydrogen-powered the Accelera fuel cells have made significant strides, powering a full-sized locomotive in an Austrian project named HY2RAIL.
This feat, marked as a significant milestone for Accelera, a brand of Cummins Inc., underlines a successful move from diesel generators to hydrogen-based power solutions for rail applications. This shift was materialized through the transformation of a light-on-track machine (OTM) Vehicle under the leadership of renowned railway supremacy, the Austrian railway authority ÖBB, and the engineering expertise of m.ZERO, an Austrian consultancy service.
The pivotal HY2RAIL project is shining light on the utilities and sustainable potential of fuel cells for powering heavy-duty machinery, including freight locomotives. m.ZERO collaborated with Accelera to design a 120kW system integrating Accelera’s fuel cell power modules, adhering to international rail vehicle standards and European EN 61373 standards.
m.ZERO was also responsible for integrating balance-of-plant components and interfaces with Accelera, with synergy focusing on the combination of a fuel cell system and a ternary battery system. The fruits of these collective efforts evolved into a hybrid propulsion system, featuring advanced power electronics and on-board hydrogen storage technology assisted by a vehicle control unit and specialized software.
Taking the railroad to modernity, ÖBB’s technical service arm, TrainTech, played an indispensable role in upgrading the railcar. Despite initially being reliant on a diesel-electric propulsion system, the transformed locomotive, an OBB X534-type, now enjoys an emission-free existence post the installation of the new fuel cell electric system.
Alison Trueblood, General Manager of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies at Accelera, expressed her excitement for the expansion of their fuel cell technology into locomotives, which presented another vivid testament of hydrogen technology’s potential for emission-free heavy-duty transport.
Likewise, Herbert Wancura, CEO of m.ZERO, applauded the decision to use Accelera’s fuel cells, an arguably economically and environmentally beneficial move, revealing readiness to support rail Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and eagerness for potential future collaborations with Accelera.
HY2RAIL stood as a testament to the combined forces and expertise of diverse organizations and was co-financed by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency, moving the discussion for zero-emission technology from feasible to a reality.
This breakthrough project, which showcases the viability and benefits of hydrogen-based fuel cells for heavy machinery, forecasts a promising future for this sustainable technology in Europe and beyond.
Titles:
1. “”
2. “Power of Hydrogen: Accelera’s Fuel Cells Revolutionize Rail Transport in Austria”
3. “All Aboard the Hydrogen Express: Accelera’s Landmark Project in Austria”
4. “HY2RAIL Project: Pioneering a Hydrogen-Powered Future in Rail Transport”
5. “Paving the Way: Accelera and ÖBB’s Milestone Hydrogen Fuel Cell Project”chat.completion
