How does India’s newly launched train powered by hydrogen work?, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• On July 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train.
• The train operates on an 89-km stretch between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
• It is a 10-coach train with a capacity of approximately 2,600 passengers.
• The train generates its own electricity onboard using hydrogen fuel cells, producing only water vapour and heat as by-products.

Hydrogen Train.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• Unlike conventional electric trains that draw power from overhead lines, this train uses proton exchange membrane fuel cells to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity.
• The train features two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars (DPCs), each producing 1,200 kW, for a combined output of 2,400 kW, enabling a design speed of 110 km/h.
• Hydrogen is produced on-site at Jind through electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.
• The hydrogen is then compressed to 500 bar and dispensed at 350 bar, with the facility storing nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen.
• Safety measures include continuous leak detection, ventilation, automatic shut-off systems, and approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation.
• The entire system underwent an independent third-party safety assessment by TÜV SÜD, Germany.
• Globally, hydrogen trains are in a nascent stage, with Germany being the first to introduce commercial passenger services.
• Indian Railways plans to deploy this technology on heritage routes and contribute to the National Green Hydrogen Mission and India's Net Zero goal.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Hydrogen Fuel Cell: An electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of hydrogen into electricity, with water as the primary by-product.
• Electrolysis: A process that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, typically for producing green hydrogen.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission: An Indian government initiative aimed at promoting the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen.
• Net Zero Goal: The objective of balancing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced with the amount removed from the atmosphere.