Assessing the benefits of European Train Control System Leve l 3
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: Electronic, Electrical and Computer Eng
Abstract
It is now an accepted fact that hydrogen powered trains are viable onm a technical level. A trial service using multiple unit passenger trains has been commenced in Germany, and there are currently three projects underway to construct hydrogen trains in the UK.
Despite this, many questions about hydrail remain. It is my objective to answer the questions and sub-questions listed below.
1. What are the performance requirements for a commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell powered train?
2. What performance can be achieved by a hydrogen train using present day equipment?
Is the simulated performance of hydrogen powered trains accurate?
Is it safe to use hydrogen as an energy source for trains, bearing in mind that many routes operate in confined stations and tunnels?
How will fuel cell powered trains be configured in order to ensure safety and to achieve the performance?
3. Is it commercially viable to operate hydrogen trains?
How much hydrogen would a fleet of fuel cell electric trains require?
How do we provide enough hydrogen for a fleet of fuel cell electric trains?
What is the comparative life cycle costs of operating a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell powered trains compared to diesel powered trains
The aim of the project is to develop a systems engineering approach to the introduction of fuel cell and hydrogen technology to the railway industry. The work will aim to develop methodologies which can be applied to a number of railway systems. The work also forms a vital input to the HydroFLEX project, which is a partnership between BCRRE and Porterbrook which will develop the first full scale bi-mode hydrogen fuel cell train in the UK
Novel physical sciences and engineering
The novelty is in the development of the appropriated engineering to enable railway vehicles to rapidly adopt hydrogen fuel cell technology. Given that the PhD student is supporting the development of HydroFLEX then the novelty is clear.
Methodology
The methods to be used include standard systems engineering as applied to the fuel cell and hydrogen system. Further modelling work using the advances BCRRE simulator tools will also be undertake.
Despite this, many questions about hydrail remain. It is my objective to answer the questions and sub-questions listed below.
1. What are the performance requirements for a commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell powered train?
2. What performance can be achieved by a hydrogen train using present day equipment?
Is the simulated performance of hydrogen powered trains accurate?
Is it safe to use hydrogen as an energy source for trains, bearing in mind that many routes operate in confined stations and tunnels?
How will fuel cell powered trains be configured in order to ensure safety and to achieve the performance?
3. Is it commercially viable to operate hydrogen trains?
How much hydrogen would a fleet of fuel cell electric trains require?
How do we provide enough hydrogen for a fleet of fuel cell electric trains?
What is the comparative life cycle costs of operating a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell powered trains compared to diesel powered trains
The aim of the project is to develop a systems engineering approach to the introduction of fuel cell and hydrogen technology to the railway industry. The work will aim to develop methodologies which can be applied to a number of railway systems. The work also forms a vital input to the HydroFLEX project, which is a partnership between BCRRE and Porterbrook which will develop the first full scale bi-mode hydrogen fuel cell train in the UK
Novel physical sciences and engineering
The novelty is in the development of the appropriated engineering to enable railway vehicles to rapidly adopt hydrogen fuel cell technology. Given that the PhD student is supporting the development of HydroFLEX then the novelty is clear.
Methodology
The methods to be used include standard systems engineering as applied to the fuel cell and hydrogen system. Further modelling work using the advances BCRRE simulator tools will also be undertake.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Stuart Hillmansen (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Charles Calvert (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509590/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1974612 | Studentship | EP/N509590/1 | 01/10/2017 | 24/12/2020 | Charles Calvert |
| Description | The creation of the UKs first full scale hydrogen train was acheived as a result of the work funded through this research. The impact of this cannot be understated, this achievement was reported on international media around the world and is seen as being a shining example to the rest of the world to the future of zero harmful emission at point of use transport. This was created as the result of the work funded by this award, which demonstrated that it is feasible introduce of fleets of hydrogen trains and the required support infrastructure for passenger carrying service. |
| Exploitation Route | The outcomes of the funding can be taken forward and put into use by those putting fleets of hydrogen trains into service. It can also be used by those looking to create facilities to generate the quantities of hydrogen required for rail. |
| Sectors | Energy,Environment,Transport |
| URL | https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/spotlights/hydrogen-powered-train.aspx |
| Description | The findings have been used to justify the modification of an existing electric train to hydrogen propulsion as a prototype application as it has been shown that it is practicable to use hydrogen to fuel regional passenger trains. This project will be followed up by the production of service ready hydrogen trains ready for passenger carrying trials. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
| Sector | Energy,Transport |
| Impact Types | Economic,Policy & public services |
| Description | HydroFLEX (UKs First Hydrogen Train) |
| Organisation | Ballard Power Systems |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | I was lead systems engineer in this project. The department contributed technical resource, concept modelling and personnel for operations |
| Collaborator Contribution | Porterbrook contributed a Class 319 electric train and technical resource. Chrysalis contributed technical resource Fuel Cell Systems contributed a hydrogen refuelling truck Ballard contributed a fuel cell Luxfer contributed fuel tanks Dench contributed traction batteries |
| Impact | The outcome that has come from this is successful demonstration of the UKs first hydrogen train. As this has been demonstrated to policy makers and seniors from the railway industry it has had significant impact within the industry and beyond. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | HydroFLEX (UKs First Hydrogen Train) |
| Organisation | Chrysalis Rail Services Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | I was lead systems engineer in this project. The department contributed technical resource, concept modelling and personnel for operations |
| Collaborator Contribution | Porterbrook contributed a Class 319 electric train and technical resource. Chrysalis contributed technical resource Fuel Cell Systems contributed a hydrogen refuelling truck Ballard contributed a fuel cell Luxfer contributed fuel tanks Dench contributed traction batteries |
| Impact | The outcome that has come from this is successful demonstration of the UKs first hydrogen train. As this has been demonstrated to policy makers and seniors from the railway industry it has had significant impact within the industry and beyond. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | HydroFLEX (UKs First Hydrogen Train) |
| Organisation | Denchi Power Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | I was lead systems engineer in this project. The department contributed technical resource, concept modelling and personnel for operations |
| Collaborator Contribution | Porterbrook contributed a Class 319 electric train and technical resource. Chrysalis contributed technical resource Fuel Cell Systems contributed a hydrogen refuelling truck Ballard contributed a fuel cell Luxfer contributed fuel tanks Dench contributed traction batteries |
| Impact | The outcome that has come from this is successful demonstration of the UKs first hydrogen train. As this has been demonstrated to policy makers and seniors from the railway industry it has had significant impact within the industry and beyond. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | HydroFLEX (UKs First Hydrogen Train) |
| Organisation | Fuel Cell Systems |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | I was lead systems engineer in this project. The department contributed technical resource, concept modelling and personnel for operations |
| Collaborator Contribution | Porterbrook contributed a Class 319 electric train and technical resource. Chrysalis contributed technical resource Fuel Cell Systems contributed a hydrogen refuelling truck Ballard contributed a fuel cell Luxfer contributed fuel tanks Dench contributed traction batteries |
| Impact | The outcome that has come from this is successful demonstration of the UKs first hydrogen train. As this has been demonstrated to policy makers and seniors from the railway industry it has had significant impact within the industry and beyond. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | HydroFLEX (UKs First Hydrogen Train) |
| Organisation | Luxfer Gas Cylinders |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | I was lead systems engineer in this project. The department contributed technical resource, concept modelling and personnel for operations |
| Collaborator Contribution | Porterbrook contributed a Class 319 electric train and technical resource. Chrysalis contributed technical resource Fuel Cell Systems contributed a hydrogen refuelling truck Ballard contributed a fuel cell Luxfer contributed fuel tanks Dench contributed traction batteries |
| Impact | The outcome that has come from this is successful demonstration of the UKs first hydrogen train. As this has been demonstrated to policy makers and seniors from the railway industry it has had significant impact within the industry and beyond. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | HydroFLEX (UKs First Hydrogen Train) |
| Organisation | Porterbrook Leasing |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | I was lead systems engineer in this project. The department contributed technical resource, concept modelling and personnel for operations |
| Collaborator Contribution | Porterbrook contributed a Class 319 electric train and technical resource. Chrysalis contributed technical resource Fuel Cell Systems contributed a hydrogen refuelling truck Ballard contributed a fuel cell Luxfer contributed fuel tanks Dench contributed traction batteries |
| Impact | The outcome that has come from this is successful demonstration of the UKs first hydrogen train. As this has been demonstrated to policy makers and seniors from the railway industry it has had significant impact within the industry and beyond. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | Big Bang Fair |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The Hydrogen Hero 1/5th scale hydrogen train was shown at a static exhibit at the Big Bang Fair in the NEC. Of the thousands of attendees at this event we estimate that we spoke to approximately 500, including seniors from Network Rail including Andrew Haines - Chief Executive |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/ |
| Description | Rail Live 2020 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | At the event in 2018 we unveiled Hydrogen Hero, our 1/5th scale hydrogen train. This was shown to Chris Grayling, the secretary for state for transport at the time. In 2019 we unveiled HydroFLEX, the UK's first full sized hydrogen train. This was visited by many politicians, including Chris Grayling again, industry seniors and the 1000s of guests that visited. We were also the subject of multiple BBC live transmissions |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019,2020 |
| URL | https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/spotlights/hydrogen-powered-train.aspx |
| Description | Siemens NTAR Open Days |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Hydrogen Hero (1/5th Scale Hydrogen Train) has been demonstrated at Siemens depots in Northampton and Southamption in 2018 and 2019. Estimates for attendees have been up to 500 for each year and have included industry professionals and seniors from Siemens. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |
| URL | https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2018/09/siemens-and-west-midlands-trains-set-to-open-their-doors.html |