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Indian Railways tested the first hydrogen-powered coach at its Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.  

Hydrogen-Powered Coach

Northern Railway zone started the hydrogen-powered coach project in 2020-21. It comprises two key components:

• Conversion of Power Cars => Two existing 1600 HorsePower (HP) diesel power cars are being converted into hydrogen fuel cell-powered traction systems. This involves retrofitting them with advanced technology. 
• Each power car stores 220 kg of hydrogen at a very high pressure of 350 bar.
• Hydrogen Infrastructure => Establishment of a hydrogen storage and fuelling facility at Jind, Haryana, to support the train's operations.

The total cost of this project is approximately Rs. 136 crore. The Research Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO) of Indian Railways is responsible for the primary design, validation, and testing phases.

The initial plan involves operating the hydrogen train between Jind and Sonepat stations in Haryana, covering two round-trips spanning 356 km daily. The Jind facility will have a hydrogen storage capacity of 3,000 kg.

How Hydrogen Trains Work

Hydrogen trains use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity. 

• Hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen from the air (O2) enter the fuel cell.
• Inside the fuel cell, a chemical reaction occurs where hydrogen atoms combine with oxygen atoms.
• This reaction produces electricity, which powers the train's electric motors.
• The only byproduct of this process is pure water (H2O).

Germany launched the world's first commercial hydrogen-powered passenger train in 2018.

Challenges

Hydrogen is highly flammable, can easily catch fire or explode if not handled properly.

Storing hydrogen at high pressure and ensuring its safe transfer requires specialized equipment and strict protocols. 

The PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization) Standards regulate the storage and handling of hydrogen. PESO operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Safety Protocols

Conducted CFD Studies (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to predict how hydrogen might behave in worst-case scenarios, such as a leak. 

The trains are equipped with various sensors for: Leak Detection, Flame Detection, Temperature Detection

The system includes Pressure Relief Valves to release excess pressure safely and Scientifically Designed Ventilation to prevent hydrogen from accumulating.

TUV-SUD of Germany, conducted an independent safety audit of the system, which assures high safety standards.

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Source: INDIAN EXPRESS