Hydrogen Locomotive ♦ University of Birmingham

Engineering students and staff at the University of Birmingham have designed and built a prototype hydrogen powered locomotive, the first of its kind to operate in the UK.

This narrow gauge locomotive is a hybrid design, combining a hydrogen fuel cell and lead acid batteries similar to the ones used in cars. The fuel cell is used both to power the permanent magnet electric motors and to charge the batteries, with the batteries helping to meet the peak power demands when accelerating under load.

Hydrogen provides a clean source of energy and it offers a considerable extension in range in comparison to battery only operation. Over 5 000 litres of hydrogen are stored in a solid state metal hydride tank at relatively low pressure, with the system typically operating at just 5 bar. This was achieved by using one of the ten advanced hydrogen storage units successfully employed on the University’s hydrogen powered canal boat, the Ross Barlow.

This amount of hydrogen would enable the locomotive to haul a 400 kg load up over 2 700 m, twice the height of Ben Nevis, and two additional tanks can be easily fitted to further extend its range.

The locomotive also features regenerative braking to capture, store and re-use braking energy, as well as adjustable air suspension and a highly advanced touchscreen remote control that operates over a Wi-Fi link.

The locomotive was tested at the Stapleford Miniature Railway in Leicestershire as part of a competition led by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering. Stephen Kent the Team Leader, said: ‘We are really pleased with the locomotive, particularly as it managed to haul 4000kg, well over 6 times the specified load.’

Dr Stuart Hillmansen, from the University of Birmingham’s School of Electronic, Electrical and Computer Engineering, faculty advisor to the team, said: ‘Our hydrogen powered locomotive is a clean and efficient example of how hydrogen power could work for future trains on non-electrified routes. We hope that our efforts will encourage the rail industry to take a closer look at this exciting technology.’

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Notes to Editors
1. Pictures of the locomotive are available.
2. Video footage can be viewed at [Tienes que estar registrado y conectado para ver este vínculo]
3. This project was made possible through the Circles of Influence Innovation and Immediate Impact fund. Having the freedom to invest in creative and innovative ideas that have an immediate impact is crucial to a world-class university. More than 150 extraordinary projects totaling more than £2 million have been funded since 2002.

Donations to this fund are distributed annually to initiatives that will have an immediate impact on the campus environment, teaching and learning facilities, and activities available to enhance the student experience at Birmingham.

To find out more about the Circles of Influence Campaign please visit: [Tienes que estar registrado y conectado para ver este vínculo]

4. The hydrogen hybrid canal boat, the Ross Barlow, was devised by Professor Rex Harris, at the University of Birmingham’s School of Metallurgy and Materials.

For further information
Kate Chapple, Press Office, University of Birmingham, tel 0121 414 2772 or 07789 921164.