Use of Fuel Cell Generators for Cell-Propelled Trains Renovation

Protecting the environment important for 94% of Europeans. For this reason, new technologies have to be studied. In particular, the fuel cell is a possible the world's forthcoming sustainable and clean energy source. One reason is the power-generation efficiency. They offer the ability to convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy with a very low environmental impact. For this reason, the aim of this work is to study the application of the fuel cells for railway sector. A real situation has been analyzed in particular a hydrogen trains on the Brescia-Iseo-Edolo line. The objective of this study is to find eco-friendly solutions to low-medium traffic lines, where the electrification would be too expensive or impossible from a practical point of view. The most important challenge is to keep-or improve-the performance of the rail vehicles in comparison to the diesel traction even when facing strong slopes.