Hydrogen instead of diesel? We are on it!
In Germany, only around 60 % of the rail network is electrified and further expansion on secondary lines is only planned to a limited extent.
Conventional diesel multiple units are often in use for more than 30 years.
At the same time, the pressure to #reduceemissions is increasing.
This is precisely where our ‘retrofit concept’ for hydrogen in the #TRAINS project comes in.
Convert existing diesel multiple units to hydrogen combustion, retaining as many original parts as possible.
➡️ This minimizes costs and the effort required for approval.
The aim is to save around 150 tons of CO₂ per train per year.
Following our kick-off in April 2024, we are now seeing the first exciting results:
✅ Equal performance with diesel? Equal peak power possible!
⚠️ Problem: Dynamic power output over the entire speed range.
💡 Solution: An improved charging system could help here.
✅ NOx reduction through water injection? Promising, but still optimizable!
⚠️ Problem: The limit values are complied with, but only under certain conditions.
💡 Solution: An optimized charging system could further reduce emissions.
✅ New injector generation implemented!
⚠️ Problem: pre-ignition due to unfavorable mixture formation or injector wear.
💡 Solution: A more robust injector generation with better durability and a redesigned mixture formation concept.
Next Steps:
The converted engine is extensively tested before it is installed in a vehicle.
This is followed by testing on non-public routes in the prototype train.
Then it will be exciting again. 😉
We’re on the right track – and the next milestone is sure to come!
Thanks to: Alstom, Gedack Rohrsysteme GmbH, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg and the WTZ Roßlau – supported by the Project Management Jülich (PtJ) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
More exciting information and news on LinkedIn!