Applications

Rail

Tracking zero-emissions solutions to meet the global demand for hydrogen-powered transportation.

Green foliage with focus on leaf edges and curves
Green foliage with focus on leaf edges and curves

Adopting decarbonized rail

With technology designed to make the transition to cleaner power simple, we’re already decarbonizing existing rail lines. With the tracks already laid, our fuel cell systems are powering the world’s first fleet of hydrogen-powered trains. They’re the first hydrogen trains – or hydrails –  in passenger operation and cover over hundreds-of-thousands kilometers of track.  

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Trains powered by hydrogen

Hydrails are driven by efficient electric motors powered by high-output hydrogen fuel cells. A proven alternative to diesel combustion engines, hydrogen fuel–powered trains offer: 

  • The ability to turn existing non-electrified railway lines into zero-emission lines without costly long-range electrification infrastructure 
  • 18+ hours of operation between fueling 
  • Reduced noise and vibration 
  • Fast refueling, with less than 20 minutes of downtime 
  • Lower maintenance and reduced downtime

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A train on rails during sunset
A train on rails during sunset

How hydrail works

Hydrogen fuel cell power modules on the top of the train car are at the heart of the system and provide sufficient energy by combining hydrogen and oxygen. The fuel cells work by extracting oxygen from the ambient air, while the storage tanks supply the hydrogen demand. The fuel cells and the hydrogen tanks are mounted on the roof of the train. When in motion, the fuel cell powered passenger train emits only water vapor, which is the only by-product of the hydrogen and oxygen reaction in the fuel cell, a truly clean energy conversion. 

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Close up nature view of green leaves
Close up nature view of green leaves

Anatomy of a hydrail system

Accelera’s fuel cell system for hydrogen-powered trains is the world's first heavy-duty fuel cell composition with fuel cell power modules, water management, hydrogen management, power systems, heat management and control system—all in a roof-mounted rack.

Macro light agate structure
Macro light agate structure

Fuel cells for hydrail

Turn existing, non-electrified infrastructure into zero-emission rail lines with fuel cell train systems driven by efficient electric motors and powered by our high-density hydrogen fuel cell technology. Emitting only steam and condensed water, hydrails operate with low noise levels that improve both operator and passenger comfort.

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