Project results

FCH2RAIL deliverable D5.1 - Implementation and Integration in Demonstrator Train

01.02.2023, Project Result

The deliverable D5.1. - FCHPP Implementation and Integration in Demonstrator Train is a photo report documenting the integration of two Fuel Cell Hybrid PowerPacks into the CIVIA demonstrator train. The  passenger area in the demonstrator train was transformed into a technical area, the FCHPPs are installed there and on the roof. The new equipment is integrated into both the existing traction architecture and the existing train control architecture.

Download deliverable  5.1  here.


FCH2RAIL presents methodology to identify FCHPP block sizes on TRA 2022

16.11.2022,  Transport Research Arena Conference 2022, Lisbon

In the paper The FCH2RAIL Project: A Demonstration of a Modular Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack, a methodology is proposed which is deployed to identify feasible block sizes for the fuel cell and battery. A work flow is presented that includes a dynamic longitudinal vehicle simulation and a fuel cell hybrid propulsion system dimensioning. The results obtained are statistically evaluated and compared against commercially available component sizes.

Download paper: The FCH2RAIL Project: A Demonstration of a Modular Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack


FCH2RAIL deliverable D7.1 - Gaps in regulatory framework prior to the demonstrator train test

11.10.2022, Project Result

This deliverable documents the results of the first Legislative Gap Analysis. The aim is to identify any gaps within the current regulatory framework, from a theoretical point of view, before testing and commissioning the demonstrator train on the railway. The gaps that were found are divided into specific fields of application: related to the train, to the refueling station (HRS), to the pantograph and to the infrastructure.

Regarding the train, gaps have been found in both the specific regulations aimed at railway systems and those from other industries. Regarding the pantograph, gaps that highlight the interaction of the pantograph with the electrical power line have been identified. This pantograph-catenary-interaction may cause electric arcs that represent an ignition source and can cause a fire. Gaps for hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) have been found in ISO 19880, and also a lack of standards regarding hydrogen refuelling protocols for heavy-duty vehicle was noted. Within the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) environmental protection, fire safety on tunnels, ventilation systems and the definition of requirements for refuelling equipment have been identified as most important gaps.

Download deliverable  7.1  here.


FCH2RAIL publishes review paper on hydrogen storage and refueling in the rail sector

17.09.2022,  International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

The paper Review and comparison of worldwide hydrogen activities in the rail sector with special focus on onboard storage and refueling technologies investigates hydrogen storage and refueling technologies that were used in rail vehicles over the past 20 years. Details of the currently available technology and its vehicle integration are presented, from a total of 80 international studies. Corporate announcements as well as vehicle and refueling demonstration projects were evaluated with regard to storage and refueling technology, pressure level, hydrogen amount and installation concepts inside rolling stock. Furthermore, current hydrogen storage systems of worldwide manufacturers were analyzed in terms of technical data.

Download paper: Review and comparison of worldwide hydrogen activities [...] on-board storage and refueling technologies


FCH2RAIL presents results on World Congress of Railway Research (WCRR 2022)

09.06.2022,  World Congress of Railway Research, Birmingham

The paper The EU Project FCH2RAIL - Fuel Cell Hybrid PowerPack for Rail Applications gives an overview of the FCH2RAIL project and the technical developments related to the innovative Fuel Cell Hybrid PowerPack (FCHPP). This modular and scalable power source starts with the ambition to be suitable for newly developed rolling stock as well as for retrofitting of existing electric and diesel trains.

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

The paper Bi-Mode Hydrogen Train Requirements Using Geospatial Line Assessment summarises the analysis of use-cases of bi-mode multiple units with a fuel cell hydrogen powerpack; based on this analysis it identifies vehicle requirements arising from infrastructure and operation. For this, the authors developed a methodology combining a geospatial assessment on available open data (i.e. Open Street Map and a digital elevation model) and a longitudinal dynamic simulation model of rail vehicles.

Download paper:  Bi-Mode Hydrogen Train Requirements Using Geospatial Line Assessment


FCH2RAIL deliverable D1.1 - Report concerning line and use case based requirements

31.03.2022, Project Result

This deliverable is describing the analysis and gathering of requirements on hydrogen trains from operational and infrastructural parameters. This is done within two steps. First a high-level line analysis is performed to collect infrastructural and operational characteristics for various countries in the European Union. In the second step, representative use-cases are identified and simulated to evaluate detailed requirements on the FCHPP.

Download deliverable  1.1  here.

Data Records 1: Trajectories and driving profiles for hybrid h2 multiple units:
https://zenodo.org/record/6359030#.YqCypPfTXDs

Data Records 2: Railway services operated with diesel multiple units in Spain and Portugal:
https://zenodo.org/record/6355894#.YqCzEPfTXDs


Analysis off on-board hydrogen Storage Options and hydrogen powered air-conditioning (EHEC 2022)

18.05.2022,  European Hydrogen Energy Conference 2022

Hydrogen on-board storage options for rail vehicles are in the focus of the paper of Mathias Böhm. It focusses on the comparison of current implementation projects in hydrogen powered trains.

Download paper: H2 On-Board Storage Options for Rail Vehicles

The paper of Markus Kordel  discusses two innovative technologies to reduce energy demand for Air-Conditioning in hydrogen fuel cell rolling stock: The hydrogen powered air-conditioning (HyPAC) utilizes the pressure work between tank and fuel cell; the absorption refrigerator uses the waste heat from the fuel cell. 

Download paper: Using Absorption Refrigerator and Metal Hydrides in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trains


FCH2RAIL deliverable D2.2 – Train-FCHPP interface. Block schematic

31.12.2021, Project Result

This deliverable shows the generic interfaces required for the installation of the FCHPP and defines the
key aspects and codes of practices to be considered to ensure a proper and safe integration of the
FCHPP in a generic train.

Download deliverable  2.2  here.


FCH2RAIL deliverable D1.5 – Hydrogen refuelling and storage requirements for rail vehicles

31.08.2021, Project Result

This deliverable summarizes the hydrogen refuelling and storage requirements for rail vehicles. It is based on an evaluation of different hydrogen on-board storage systems, existing hydrogen refuelling protocols and state-of-the-art diesel refuelling of rail vehicle.

Download deliverable  1.5  here.


FCH2RAIL deliverable D1.3 Report on generic requirements for bi-mode fuel cell hybrid trains

31.08.2021, Project Result

This deliverable summarizes the characteristics of the services operated with multiple units, mainline locomotives and shunting locomotives. It develops vehicle specifications to meet the demands derived from various use cases and establishes the requirements for state-of-the-art hydrogen vehicles and Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Packs (FCHPP).

Download deliverable  1.3  here.


Horizon 2020 fact sheet

01.01.2021

Read more in the Horizon 2020 fact sheet:

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101006633