World's first hydrogen-powered urban train completes test in Changchun

2024-03-28

Source: Jilin Daily

On the morning of March 21, the world's first hydrogen-powered urban train, independently developed by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, completed a test on the company's test track in Changchun.

The train successfully ran at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour while fully loaded, achieving a full-system, full-scenario and multi-level performance verification, marking a significant breakthrough in the application of hydrogen energy in China's rail transit sector. The test was a vivid practice of Jilin province to implement the "Hydrogen Energy Promotes Jilin" action, further adjustment and optimization of the energy structure, and improve its capacity for scientific and technological innovation.

"Hydrogen energy, as a clean and zero-carbon renewable energy source, has the characteristics of high energy density, diverse acquisition methods, as well as clean production and use processes." Wang Jian, deputy director of the New Technology Research Department of the National Rail Transit Engineering Research Center of CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, introduced that the train uses a combination of hydrogen fuel cells and super-capacitors as an energy source to replace the catenary power supply source. Energy is generated by the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel cell, with only water as a byproduct. The reaction process is stable, and has the characteristics of low noise, environmental protection and zero carbon.

During the test, the average energy consumption of the train was only 5 kWh per kilometer, with a maximum power output range of over 1,000 km. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, the hydrogen-powered urban train can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50,000 tons throughout its lifecycle, equivalent to the carbon emissions generated by 50,000 cars traveling 5,000 kilometers each.

After the hydrogen-powered urban train rolled off the assembly line in December 2022, CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co completed tests on durability, high and low temperatures, vibration, electromagnetic compatibility and fire safety for the hydrogen power system. The company also tested the train on energy consumption, cruising range, reliability, traction, braking and dynamics at different speeds, verifying for the first time the performance of the train at environmental temperatures ranging from minus 25 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. The test data showed that all indicators of the train met the design requirements, and the performance indicators reached the internationally leading level.

According to Wang Jian, the train uses 5G high-capacity vehicle-to-ground communication technology to achieve multi-network integration of vehicle-to-ground data transmission. Through big data analysis, the operation status of the train is evaluated to ensure safe driving. The train is equipped with thousands of intelligent sensors, which can achieve intelligent driving functions such as automatic wake-up, start and stop, and return to the depot, greatly improving operational efficiency.

CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co will continue the exploration of hydrogen energy technology for rail transit vehicles, strengthen its technical capability of hydrogen safety monitoring and protection, improve the supporting infrastructure for hydrogen-powered vehicles, establish a standard and specification system for the application of hydrogen-powered vehicles, and promote the production and application of hydrogen-powered vehicles.