The Hydrogen-powered train:HydroFLEX – A Revolutionary Step of Automobile Industry

Base Model Of HydroFLEX - British Rail Class 319

Nowadays, Vehicles facilitate us to travel or transfer goods from initial location to destination easily. However, with uprising usage of this facility, nature has been getting affected undesirably as the by-products of this IC engine mounted vehicles deteriorate the Ozone layer and create harmful effects for the all living creatures. As a part of saving the world, all countries have been trying to eliminate IC engine with the help of electric-powered vehicles and more advanced idea is equipped by the Britain by providing this required electricity with the help of Hydrogen under the HydroFLEX project.

About HydroFLEX Project:

• Indeed, the HydroFLEX train is the modified version of the class 319 model which has become the  main source of the base product of many advanced trains. The University of Birmingham’s Centre  for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) and rolling atock solutions provider Porterbrook  have took a lead of this project and they have almost achieved the grand success.
• According to informers, the concept of the HydroFLEX was approved and the major tests will be  carried out on second half of 2019 and first half of 2020.
• It is expected to provide its service on the North Cotswold line in the South of England and Alloa to  Dunfermline route in Scotland.

About Class-319 (Base Model of the HydroFLEX):

• The main model of class-319 was introduced in 1987 and it has been constantly updating and available in different variants.
• Porterbrook collaborated with Northern to introduce an electric train whose power supply was provided by two units of diesel powered alternators to save 25 Kv AC overhead supplies

Details & Roles of the HydroFLEX Project participants:

• BCEEE : Research, Design and Development of Technology
• Chrysalis Rail :Train refurbishing and vehicle enhancement, Installation works
• DG8 : Design Support
• DB Cargo  Crewe : Recommissioning
• Ballard Fuel Cell Systems : Provided FCveloCITY-HD fuel cells
• Luxfer : Supplied Hydrogen storage tanks
• Denchi Group : Batteries supplier
• Aura Graphics : Exterior design
• Derby Engineering Unit : Supplier of brackets and panels
• SNC Lavalin : offered design and hazard identification services
• Sub-Contractors : Rail Operation Group, QRTC, Jeff Vehicles

Working of HydroFLEX :

Mainly, there are 7 major components in this model,

1. Hydrogen Fuel Tanks
2. Pressure Drop
3. Fuel Cell
4. Batteries
5. Electrical Output
6. Electric Motors
7. Control System

• These components of the HydroFLEX train require large space to be installed in the vehicles so until their compact variants will not introduces in the market, this technology cannot be quipped by the commercial and private on-road vehicles, For instance: Car, Truck, Bus, etc.

Workings of specific parts are explained below:

    (1) Hydrogen Fuel Tanks

• They safely store hydrogen because it explodes in the air mixture and high flammability.
• Qty. of tanks: 4
• Capacity: Up to 20kg

    (2) Pressure Drop

• To ensure the leakage of thee hydrogen gas, this pressure drop is installed which regulate the pressure around 8.5 bar. This low pressurized gas is supplied to the Fuel Cell.

    (3) Fuel Cell

• Fuel cell is the heart of this system where Hydrogen process with the atmospheric Oxygen and creates a blast in the confined area of the cell. Due to this chemical reaction huge amount of electricity (100KW) is generated along with the pure water.

• Electricity is transported to the batteries and pure water may be used for drinking and cooking purpose.

    (4) Batteries

• There are 2 Lithium ion battery packs which store the electrical energy.

    (5) Electrical Output

• Electrical energy from the battery goes through traction control system of the conventional class-319 traction equipment.

   (6) Electric Motors

• With the help of the electric power, these motors help train to move on the rails.

   (7) Control System

• Like all other old models, this train can be controlled and management of power usage can be utilized within this system which can also be called governing unit of this train.

• It ensures the correct functions and operation of the entire unit of this train.

 

Advantages:

• Eco-friendly (Due to no Exhaust & Noise)
• Low-maintenance required

Disadvantage:

• High risk factor (Due to minor mistake or collision, the huge accident may take its charge.)

According to author, each and every positive thing always has a little amount of negative by-product. In this HydroFLEX project, there are lots of positive results for environment but there is major issue regarding safty. 
In future, if there will be more HydroFLEX trains then there will be more probability of mistakes in safety. So this topic should be taken under consideration before using HydroFLEX train in railway network.

British government ensures that there will be 80% less pollution till 2040 in England and this HydroFLEX project is the first step towards this achievement which has high effectiveness.

What is your Opinion about this train and hydrogen technology?Please give your response so that everyone can understand all about it.
Thank You. 

/*----Full Width Post-----*/ [full_width] /*----Sidebar Left Post-----*/ [left_sidebar] /*----Sidebar Right Post-----*/ [right_sidebar]