In the scenario of sustainable mobility, the Hydrogen Train represents a significant revolution as Italy’s first fully hydrogen-powered train. Working directly with a major player in the railway industry, Eletech, Head of the International Design Centers of Elemaster, R&D division of the Group, has played a crucial role in this project, contributing its advanced safety and energy management systems to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the train. With its experience and commitment to technological innovation and environmental sustainability, Eletech has once again demonstrated its ability to lead the industry towards a greener future.
What is the Hydrogen Train?
The Hydrogen Train is a state-of-the-art means of rail transport that uses fuel cells to produce electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, generating water as the only waste product. Designed to operate on non-electrified lines, the train is a versatile and sustainable solution for various railway networks. The technology of this train is based in an intermediate car called the Power Car, which contains hydrogen tanks and a system to combine it with oxygen from the outside air to produce electricity. This energy is then stored in lithium batteries, which assist the fuel cells during acceleration, improving the train’s overall energy efficiency.
Sustainable Benefits
The Hydrogen Train represents a significant advance in sustainable mobility. Using hydrogen as an energy source, the train eliminates CO2 emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment. The energy generated by the fuel cells is completely green, as the only waste product is water.
At Eletech, systems and devices are designed with a focus on energy efficiency, minimising waste and optimising the use of the energy produced. Furthermore, during the design phase, the company focuses on the maintainability and upgradeability of devices, ensuring a longer life cycle. This approach not only reduces waste, but also maximises the sustainability of the system, making Eletech’s contribution even more relevant in the context of sustainable mobility than traditional diesel trains.
The Role of Eletech
Eletech played a crucial role in the development of advanced safety systems for the Hydrogen Train. One of the main examples is a power disconnection system in the event of train impact, designed to ensure the operational safety of the hydrogen valve supply system in situations of abnormal acceleration or deceleration. This advanced device follows strict SIL2 safety standards for both hardware design (EN 50129) and software design (EN 50657), certified by TUV.
The system uses advanced accelerometers to detect acceleration outside the normal range and automatically shuts off the hydrogen valves in the event of danger, helping to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of passengers and staff. The safety architecture is based on a dual-channel system with independent accelerometers and STM32 microcontrollers, ensuring maximum operational reliability.
Technological Innovation for the Future
Eletech’s participation in the Hydrogen Train project required an innovative and technically advanced approach. The company managed to integrate state-of-the-art safety technologies to create a reliable and robust system. The train is equipped with advanced sensors and monitoring systems to ensure safe and efficient operation in all operating conditions.
Looking to the future, Eletech sees enormous potential for expanding the use of hydrogen as an energy source in transport. The success of the Hydrogen Train paves the way for new applications of this technology, not only in the railway sector, but also in other areas of sustainable mobility. The company will continue to develop innovative solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Safety Standards and Certifications
To ensure that products meet the highest safety standards, Eletech adheres to international safety and quality standards.
The ISO/TS 22163 (International Railway Industry Standard, IRIS) certification is a clear example of the company’s commitment to following best practices in the design and production life cycle of railway systems. Achieving certification for railway products requires a rigorous testing regime to ensure safety, reliability, and interoperability.
Over the years, Eletech has acquired the ability to design functional safety or safety critical systems (SIL). The Safety Integrity Level (SIL) is a fundamental concept in the design of electronic and control systems that must guarantee high levels of safety, especially for railway applications. SIL is defined by international standards, such as IEC 61508, which deal with the functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic systems.
In addition, Eletech has an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory to perform rigorous compliance tests to ensure that products meet all regulatory requirements for certification.
Railway product certification involves a comprehensive series of compliance tests to ensure safety, reliability, and interoperability. These tests are designed to meet stringent international standards and regulations, such as those established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC) and other relevant bodies.
Towards a Sustainable Future
The Hydrogen Train represents a milestone in Eletech’s innovation, exemplifying the company’s commitment to developing solutions that not only improve the safety and reliability of travel, but also promote environmental sustainability. Eletech’s investment in this project underlines its dedication to clean and environmentally friendly technologies, setting new standards in the railway industry.
Eletech’s product development processes follow the Ecodesign 2009/125/EC directives with the aim of increasing the eco-friendliness of the devices designed:
- Durability, reusability, upgradeability, and reparability of products
- Use of permitted components and substances (RoHS and REACH)
- Reduction of energy consumption during operation and stand-by.
- Reduction of battery capacity
- Reduction of waste generated
- Maximisation of expected device lifetime
- Possibility of easy repair and/or disassembly and/or upgrade
- Reduction of the carbon footprint (quality of greenhouse gases generated) for each project/product