Han Tie R&D has developed the core technology of railway locomotives based on liquid hydrogen

Rail Transit Exhibition News Korea Railway Technology Research Institute (hereinafter referred to as Han Tieyan, President Han Seok-young) announced the development of the core technology of liquid hydrogen locomotives, which is the first technology combination developed in China.

The core technologies of liquid hydrogen developed include propulsion inverter control technology for railway locomotives, hybrid propulsion technology, liquid hydrogen storage technology and gasification unit.

The propulsion inverter control technology for railway locomotives is a technology that can replace existing diesel-based propulsion technology and will be validated for locomotives up to 7 tonnes. The technology uses a 390kW-class propulsion inverter developed based on the 1C1M (one inverter controls one motor) approach, and is currently undergoing traction and acceleration tests, with commercial use planned for October this year.

Hybrid propulsion is a technology consisting of a fuel cell, a DC-DC converter, and a battery pack capable of powering the inverter.

Dr. Kim Gil-dong of Han Tie-yeon and his research team on "Liquid Hydrogen Core Technology Development" are conducting a 380kW fuel cell start-up test at the Pariti plant of Chungnam Dangjin Co., Ltd.

It is the world's first dual-fuel locomotive and consists of a 400 kW fuel cell, a 300 kW battery pack, and a 600 kW DC-DC converter. Currently, we are conducting tests in various scenarios such as traction tests, load tests, and durability tests.

Liquid hydrogen storage technology and gasification units store liquid hydrogen in high-efficiency tanks at a temperature of -253°C and vaporize it by pressurizing it to about 17 bar, ensuring that the fuel cell can use gaseous hydrogen.

Currently, the project is preparing to complete detailed experimental preparations through a hydrogen production and supply facility, and is expected to pass the Phase 1 Safety Management Plan in July 2023, with gas management and use approvals subject to the Phase 2 plan.

In addition, Han plans to conduct a combination of fuel cells, DC-DC converters, propulsion inverters, and hydrogen storage and gasification units, which are the core technologies of liquid hydrogen locomotives, by January 2024.

Kim Cheol-so, director of the research institute, said, "The newly developed 380kW class fuel cell inverter will enable a stable supply of traction for 7-ton hybrid locomotives. We also plan to develop technologies for larger-scale applications of fuel cells, liquid hydrogen storage units, and gasification plants. ”

Dean Han Xirong added: "The core technology of liquid hydrogen locomotives will replace diesel locomotives and play an important role in climate change response and the electrification of railway locomotives. ”

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