Design and Validation of a Rail Vehicle Propulsion Concept with a Traction Unit Powered by a Hydrogen Fuel Cell

The article presents the results of a research and technical feasibility study focusing on the conceptual design, safety and related industrial research aimed at the replacement of a diesel powered rail vehicle with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. The most important outputs are the definition of the range of design changes and the validation of the traction unit powertrain change concept, the complex set of required technical parameters of the individual nodes of the new powertrain and their impact on the basic driving characteristics and energy balances in a wide range of operating modes. The research focuses on creating the necessary conditions for implementing environmentally friendly hydrogen technologies in passenger railway transport within the Slovak Republic. This step will significantly contribute to the implementation of the strategic goals of the European Union and, within this framework, also of the Slovak Republic in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.