Advanced Modelling and Performance Evaluation of Hydrogen-Powered Heavy Haul Locomotive

Abstract

In recent years, there have been significant activities in the development of hybrid, battery electric and alternative fuel (e.g., LPG, LNG, CNG) locomotives. However, to date there is a limited number of publications on the usage of such modelling and simulation approaches for hydrogen-powered rail vehicles, and almost no publications on hydrogen-powered heavy haul locomotives. A conceptual heavy haul hydrogen-powered locomotive has been designed and studied with the application of advanced simulation techniques used in recent locomotive/train/track damage studies. The detailed locomotive model includes multibody subsystems for the mechanical system of the locomotive and a traction power system implemented in the Matlab/Simulink software package. The traction performance evaluation has been performed through the delivery of traction effort characteristics of the proposed locomotive through co-simulation between multibody software and Matlab/Simulink and the evaluation of locomotive traction performance in a train configuration where the developed hydrogen-powered locomotive has been placed in a head-end locomotive consist for hauling a heavy haul train. The paper presents a summary of the simulation results, and detailed discussion of the limitations that have been identified in the approach.

Comparative analysis of alternative powertrain technologies in freight trains: A numerical examination towards sustainable rail transport

“…Hydrogen-powered locomotives emerged initially as a prototype [11] and were further investigated through simulation models [12] and conceptual designs for heavyhaul locomotives [13]. While the overarching consensus in prior studies identified the primary advantage of hydrogen power as its emissions reduction capability, it was simultaneously highlighted that the diesel-electric locomotive showed superior performance due to limitations in the power supply from hydrogen-power units [13].…”

Exploring hydrogen fuel cell and battery freight locomotive options using train dynamics simulation

“…A conceptual heavy haul hydrogen-powered locomotive has been designed and studied with the application of advanced simulation techniques used in recent locomotive/train/track dynamics studies. 3 The hydrogen FC power systems such as proton exchange membrane FCs (PEMFCs) and solid oxide FCs (SOFCs), etc. have been theoretically and experimentally studied for the potential applications on rail transportation systems in recent years, and some commercial products have already been used in light rail operations.…”

“…A conceptual heavy haul hydrogen-powered locomotive has been designed and studied with the application of advanced simulation techniques used in recent locomotive/train/track dynamics studies. 3…”