Context

Germany rolled out world’s first hydrogen powered trains as an initiative for eco-friendly technology.

About

• The CoradiaiLint trains can run for around 1,000km on a single tank of hydrogen, similar to the range of diesel trains.
• The main aim is to replace the polluting diesel trains in this region.
• The trains are built by French TGV-maker
• These trains will cater to the transportation needs of towns and cities of northern Germany, running 100km route through Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervoerde and Buxtehude in northern Germany.

Working:

• Hydrogen trains are equipped with fuel cells that produce electricity through a combination of hydrogen and oxygen, a process that leaves steam and water as the only emissions.
• Excess energy is stored in ion lithium batteries on board the train.
• Hydrogen powered vehicles convert the chemical energy of hydrogen to mechanical energy.
• The process of conversion takes place either by burning hydrogen in hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicle, or by reacting hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell to run electric motors.
• Widespread use of hydrogen for fuelling rail transportation is an important element of proposed fuel economy.