PORTERBROOK and the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education have announced its hydrogen-powered ‘Hydroflex’ unit is to be tested on the main line following a successful proof-of-concept.
The test unit is former dual-mode EMU No. 319001 (now renumbered No. 799001), fitted with a hydrogen powerpack so it can run on non-electrified lines as well as third-rail or under the wires.
Hydrogen from onboard tanks and oxygen from the air are combined to produce 100kW of electricity, with the only waste being pure water.
Two Lithium-ion batteries are also used to store power as required.
Read more in the August issue of RE – on sale now!
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