University of Birmingham Team Prototype Hydrogen Locomotive. 30/06/2012 Stephen Kent, Jon Tutcher, Daniel Reed

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "University of Birmingham Team Prototype Hydrogen Locomotive. 30/06/2012 Stephen Kent, Jon Tutcher, Daniel Reed"

Lawrence Elliott
8 years ago
Views:

1 University of Birmingham Team Prototype Hydrogen Locomotive 30/06/2012 Stephen Kent, Jon Tutcher, Daniel Reed

2 The Challenge Institution of Mechanical Engineers run a successful annual event formula student Desire to develop something similar for the railways, trialled with selected teams this year Main elements: construct 10¼ gauge loco to haul 600kg needs sufficient energy storage for 3 hours capable of storing braking energy other requirements for ride, braking rates etc Comprehensive realistic specification

elements: construct 10¼ gauge loco to haul 600kg needs sufficient energy storage for 3 hours capable

3 Why Choose Hydrogen? Desire to develop a non fossil fuel solution Hydrogen selected because: high power density zero emissions at point of use low carbon (depending on power source used to generate the hydrogen) University of Birmingham has existing expertise & experience (cars & canal boat) it s a novel & interesting technology Not always possible or desirable to electrify

zero emissions at point of use low carbon (depending on power source used to generate the

4 The Original Concept Traction load met by batteries, with hydrogen used to top them up PEM fuel cell technology the most promising industrial units available off the shelf with sufficient output for continuous operation Initially considered compressed gas storage Service braking by regeneration, with friction based emergency brakes Wireless remote control

sufficient output for continuous operation Initially considered compressed gas storage

5 The Initial Design metal frame with radial arm air suspension heavy motors & batteries at low height chain drive with lay shaft to give right gear ratio lay shaft position means chain tension maintained service braking by disc mounted to lay shaft compressed gas storage & control on top deck

right gear ratio lay shaft position means chain tension maintained

6 The Locomotive Takes Shape compressed hydrogen too dangerous, so final design uses metal hydride tank middle deck added to accommodate tank open sided for safety drivetrain supplier suggested friction brake on motor shaft extruded aluminium frame

accommodate tank open sided for safety drivetrain supplier

7 Key Features (1) Environmentally friendly: fuel cell which emits only 100% pure water hydrogen can be generated using non-fossil fuel e.g. wind or wave power Safe: inherently safe metal hydride storage tank dual redundant emergency brakes Huge operating range: 18 hours on 5% gradient with a 400 kg load three tanks increase this to 54 hours

8 Key Features (2) High tractive effort: all axles are powered design includes scope to add ballast as required traction control can be easily added to software High efficiency: high efficiency permanent magnet DC motors efficient chain drive regenerative braking Excellent ride & minimum track forces: adjustable air suspension system & short chassis

efficiency: high efficiency permanent magnet DC motors efficient chain drive

9 The Final Design

10 Key Features (3) Long & reliable service life: drivetrain components proven in mainline service rugged industrial spec control system Straightforward manufacture: majority of components are off the shelf bespoke components are simple to make Flexible design for different applications: gearing easily adapted to balance speed / torque frame easily reconfigured for other loading gauges wheelset / drivetrain adjustable to suit track gauge

components are simple to make Flexible design for different applications: gearing easily adapted to balance

11 Metal Hydride Storage & Delivery tank 50mm x 1300mm, 50kg stores approx 0.5kg hydrogen releases 5 litres per min working pressure < 10 bar charge time approx 30 min supply panel pipework rated for 300 bar, i.e. can use compressed gas if required consists of regulators, gauges & shut off valves allows purging of system

12 The Competition competing teams from Interfleet, MMU & one other design shown based on a petrol generator all competing designs use fossil fuels competition took place at Stapleford Miniature Railway & the results were...

competing designs use fossil fuels competition took

13 Summary An advanced prototype designed to meet the challenges set by the IMechE The first hydrogen powered train in the UK A highly flexible design, capable of meeting a wide range of requirements Metal hydride tanks address concerns over safety of hydrogen storage Demonstrates a promising future for hydrogen within the industry

meeting a wide range of requirements Metal hydride tanks address concerns over

14 Acknowledgements Such an advanced design would not have been possible without the generous financial assistance provided by the University of Birmingham Circles of Influence fund The team also thanks the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research & Education for their unstinting support throughout this project The Schools of Metallurgy & Materials and Chemical Engineering warrant a special thank you for their supportive expertise and loan of key equipment Donfabs & Consillia also deserve a special mention for going above and beyond what is normally expected of suppliers

throughout this project The Schools of Metallurgy & Materials and Chemical Engineering warrant a special thank you for their supportive

hybrid fuel cell bus

hybrid fuel cell bus PURE EMOTION PURE capacity The full passenger capacity of a standard diesel bus seats 34 standees 70 (7 passengers per sqm) total 104 Thanks to the three axles of the Van Hool A330