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We are working on railway system using fuel cells-electricity generating devices with small impact on environment, having high generation efficiency and emitting water only.
The world's first fuel cell hybrid railway cars were completed in 2006. And we confirmed its basic performance and identified issues in running tests at up to around 100 km/h.
Currently, we are researching trends in even more efficient fuel cells and on hydrogen production and filling equipment. While many issues still need to be overcome for fuel cells, we are going forward in their development with an eye on future practical use. |
NE Train: Fuel Cell Hybrid Train |
[Further Reductions in Environmental Impact]
- The fuel cells used in this development utilize the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to obtain water and electricity.
- As the only waste product to be discharged from the railcar is water, there is no discharge of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates, or other waste products.
- Furthermore, by using hydrogen that is not made from fossil fuels (called green hydrogen), the discharge of CO2 when purifying the hydrogen can also be removed.
[Utilizing the latest electric train technology]
- Work to use equipment common with that of the latest commuter trains, thus lightening the maintenance burden, and achieving operational performance equal to that of electric trains.
[Structure of the Fuel Cell]
- The hydrogen separates to a hydrogen ion (H+) and an electron at the cathode, and the oxygen, hydrogen ion, and electron react at the anode to create water. Electricity is generated by the electron moving from the cathode to the anode.
The developed fuel cell hybrid railcar uses a “solid macromolecule type fuel cell”, which has special characteristics that include a low operating temperature, instant starting and stopping, and the structure with highly efficient electricity generation that can be miniaturized.
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[Overview of the Fuel Cell Hybrid Railcar]
- The developed fuel cell hybrid railcar is equipped with fuel cells (130kW: 65kW×2), and a hydrogen tank beneath the floor and a lithium ion type accumulator battery on the roof.
<Target performance> Maximum speed : 100km/h Starting acceleration : 2.3km/h/s (Same as an electric train) |
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What Is a Fuel Cell Hybrid System?
- The electrical power generated in the fuel cells can be used to drive the motor directly, or it can be stored in the battery for later use.
- When braking, the motor is used as a generator, regenerated energy is stored in the battery, and the stored power is re-used in the next start.
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| Flow of Energy in the Fuel Cell Hybrid Railcar |
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NE Train Logo Mark
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- The image colors for the test car are red and green, with the design on the red circle on the side of the car representing the sun and the green one the earth.
- The logo mark symbolizes the sun as the source of energy and our irreplaceable earth, and expresses the N and E of NE Train.
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