Technologies        
  Hauptmenu
 
    Introduction
    Database
    -  Technologies
  -  Projects
    Calendar
    Discussions
    Contact & Links
    Imprint & Disclaimer
    Sitemap
 
 
     
 
Content
 
back to list go back to technology list      previous previous technology  next technology  next

   Hydrogen engine  evaluated  
Conventional spark ignition engines can be modified to operate on hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen engines are discussed as an alternative to diesel propulsion.
Technology field: Innovative traction concepts and energy sources
open main section General information
close main section General criteria
  close sub-section Status of development: research & experiments
    In the 1970s investigations were made by the US and Canadian railroads. No data on results.
  Time horizon for broad application: in > 10 years
    It is completely unclear if hydrogen combustion engines will play a role in future railways at all. They could become a long-term option if efforts to improve efficiency and robustness of fuel cells fail.
  Expected technological development: highly dynamic
    cf. Potential for further development outside railway sector
    Motivation:
   

Diesel substitute

Replace diesel traction in long-term perspective by alternative autonomous propulsion with less toxic emissions.
  Benefits (other than environmental): none
    (no details available)
  Barriers: high
   

Technological

Storage problems are still considerable.

Infrastructure

Transition from diesel to hydrogen supply infrastructure is costly.

Safety

If hydrogen escapes into closed spaces, detonating gas is formed. However with modern technology, safety dangers are not higher than with diesel.
    Success factors:
    (no details available)
  Applicability for railway segments: medium
    Type of traction:  diesel
    Type of transportation:  passenger - main lines, passenger - regional lines, passenger - suburban lines, freight
    (no details available)
    Grade of diffusion into railway markets:
  Diffusion into relevant segment of fleet: 0 %
  Share of newly purchased stock: 0 %
    (no details available)
  Market potential (railways): highly uncertain
    Depends on technological strategy of railways. In the (unlikely) case of hydrogen technology winning over fuel cells and natural gas as a substitute for diesel, market potential will be huge.
    Example:
    No transfer to railways realised yet.
open main section Environmental criteria
open main section Economic criteria
open main section Application outside railway sector
open main section Overall rating
References / Links:  Althammer, Hattensperger 1998;  Buchner 2000;  www.science.edu
Attachments:
Related projects:  Energy chains of alternative fuels
Contact persons:
 date created: 2002-10-09
 
 
© UIC - International Union of Railways 2003
 
Aktionmenu
 
 Your contribution
   add technology
 Views of this page
   show overview
   show evaluation
   show details
 Print options
   print data sheet
   print screen
 Help
   Evaluation briefing
   Technology list
    French - German