Use of hydrogen fuel in drive systems of rail vehicles

Abstract

The search for substitutes for modern fossil fuels incentivises the use of new propulsion systems (hybrid or electric) and the use of new fuels (gaseous, mainly hydrogen). The article discusses the basic issues related to hydrogen fuel: from its extraction, through the discussion of its properties to its use and applications. Analyzes of the energy consumption involved in its extraction or production were presented, classifying hydrogen in those terms. Great emphasis was placed on design solutions for the use of hydrogen in internal combustion engines, together with discussing the concept of its combustion. The methods of storing hydrogen in a condensed and compressed form were also presented, indicating at the same time the most modern solutions available, such as mixed systems – storage in cryo-compressed form. It has been shown that the combustion of hydrogen in internal combustion engines increases their efficiency, and at the same time significantly reduces the exhaust emissions of toxic gases – including the emission of nitrogen oxides.