JR tests fuel cell hybrid train
On October 19, East Japan Railway Company (JR East) made a test run of its NE Train (New Energy Train) — the world’s first fuel cell hybrid train — in Yokohama’s Kanazawa ward.
With two 65-kilowatt fuel cells and six hydrogen tanks under the floor and a secondary battery on the roof, the clean train emits only water and runs without receiving juice from power lines. The train can travel at a maximum speed of 100 kph (60 mph) for 50 to 100 km (30 to 60 miles) without a hydrogen refill.
Thirty passengers boarded the train for the test run, which consisted of a series of back-and-forth jaunts along a 300-meter test track. The train smoothly accelerated to a maximum speed of 50 kph (30 mph), providing a ride quality no different from an ordinary train.
A separate fuel cell train is under development by the Railway Technical Research Institute (RTRI), but the NE Train differs in that it is a hybrid relying on a secondary battery that stores electricity generated during braking. The secondary battery provides auxiliary power during acceleration or when fuel cell power is insufficient.
JR East hopes to see hybrid commuter trains in widespread use in 10 to 20 years. Lowering the cost and improving the mileage of fuel cells is a serious challenge, but the effort is not without reward. In addition to environmental benefits, eliminating the need for unsightly power lines means lower infrastructure costs and a prettier landscape to look at from the train window.
Testing of the train on public tracks will begin next April.
[Source: Chunichi Shimbun]
[…] 12 - Japanese Railway tests fuel cell hybrid train “With two 65-kilowatt fuel cells and six hydrogen tanks under the floor and a secondary battery on the roof, the clean train emits only water and runs without receiving juice from power lines.” (tags: transit mass public ecology engine power environment technology test train hybrin cell fuel railway Japan) […]
[…] 12 - Japanese Railway tests fuel cell hybrid train “With two 65-kilowatt fuel cells and six hydrogen tanks under the floor and a secondary battery on the roof, the clean train emits only water and runs without receiving juice from power lines.” (tags: transit mass public ecology engine power environment technology test train hybrin cell fuel railway Japan) […]
[…] JR East is a railway company with a knack for entertaining commericals and train improvements. In Yokohama yesterday, the company had a trial run of the world’s first environmentally friendly hybrid train! The train is powered by a storage battery located on the roof and a fuel battery placed on the bottom. The train which can run up to 100kph is refueled by hydrogen and the only material discharged is water. According to the company, the train does not require a constant supply of electricity from overhead wires like conventional trains as it can store energy that is produced. More information about the train from the excellent Pink Tentacle Blog. This is a great development for the environment, lets hope JR East can get these trains in commercial use as soon as possible. […]
[…] With two 65-kilowatt fuel cells and six hydrogen tanks under the floor and a secondary battery on the roof, the clean train emits only water and runs without receiving juice from power lines. The train can travel at a maximum speed of 100 kph (60 mph) for 50 to 100 km (30 to 60 miles) without a hydrogen refill.read more | digg story Links […]
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i think Japanese Railway in this way is going to be the no1 railway in the world.