‘Hydroflex’ unit heads for main line testing

by

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.

Article continues below…
Advert

Enjoy more Rail Express Magazine reading every month.
Click here to subscribe & save.
The prototype hydrogen-powered unit No. 799001 on a test run at Long Marston on June 20. Darren Ford

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!

Article continues below…
Advert


Advert
Subscribe to Rail Express Magazine
Enjoy more Rail Express reading in the monthly magazine. Click here to subscribe.


Article Tags:

About the Author