The 107th Indian Science Congress revealed an exciting development that will potentially revolutionize the Indian Railways. The Indian Railways Organisation for Alternate Fuels (IROAF) announced its intent to construct a hydrogen-powered rail engine by the end of 2021. This exciting initiative, which has so far only been achieved successfully in Germany, marks a significant step towards sustainable and environmentally friendly rail transport.
Developing the Hydrogen-Powered Rail Engine
The rail engine that IROAF is planning to construct will consist of four passenger coaches and will operate at a speed of 75 km/hr. One of the coaches will be dedicated to housing the hydrogen gas cylinders, fuel cells, supercapacitors, and DC converters. Hydrogen, stored in these cylinders, will act as the input to the fuel cell, and the power output of the fuel cell will be responsible for propelling the train.
Moving Towards On-Board Hydrogen Generation
After establishing the functioning of a hydrogen-powered train, IROAF plans to advance this technology further. The organization aims to develop methods to generate hydrogen on board the train using water as the source. This process will involve advanced water-splitting technologies to convert water into hydrogen. The produced hydrogen will then be used as the input for fuel cells, propelling the train forward in a more self-sustainable manner.
Benefits of Hydrogen-Powered Engines
Hydrogen-powered rail engines can substantially reduce the dependence on fossil fuel-based energy sources such as diesel and electricity. By finding alternative sources of fuel to power trains, the railways can contribute significantly to reducing CO2 emissions, thereby mitigating climate change impacts.
Understanding Fuel Cells
Fuel cells play an integral role in the functioning of a hydrogen-powered engine. These electrochemical devices convert chemical energy from reactants directly into electricity and heat. A standard fuel cell includes an electrolyte layer that comes into contact with a porous anode and cathode on either side.
In the functioning of a fuel cell, gaseous fuels are fed consistently to the anode, the negative electrode, while an oxidant, typically oxygen from the air, is fed continuously to the cathode, the positive electrode. Electrochemical reactions occur at these electrodes, resulting in the production of an electric current which then powers the train.
Table of Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen-Powered Rail Engine Development | End of 2021 |
| Train Speed | 75 km/hr |
| Fuel Source | Hydrogen gas |
| On-Board Hydrogen Generation | Future Plan |
| Alternative to | Diesel & Electricity |
Moving Forward
The Indian Railway’s ambitious plan to create a hydrogen-powered rail engine represents a significant leap towards environmental sustainability. As we move towards greener methods of transport, such innovations offer hope for a more sustainable future, making optimal use of natural resources while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
