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Assessing hydrogen as an alternative fuel for rail transport - a case study
S Rahim Marjani1, Shahed Motaman2, Hirbod Varasteh2
1Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering, University of Derby, Derby, UK. s.marjani@derby.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|February 22, 2025
Summary
Converting UK diesel trains to hydrogen combustion engines offers a practical, cost-effective solution for decarbonization. This technology achieves zero carbon emissions with similar performance and NOx levels to diesel, supporting the 2040 phase-out goal.
Area of Science:
- Rail transport engineering
- Sustainable energy systems
- Combustion science
Background:
- Over 10% of UK rail routes remain non-electrified, necessitating alternatives to diesel trains.
- The UK aims to phase out diesel trains by 2040, driving the search for alternative fuels.
- Hydrogen combustion engines are explored as a viable alternative for rail decarbonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive technical, economic, and environmental analysis of converting diesel trains to hydrogen power using combustion engines.
- To develop and validate a simulation-based methodology for assessing train performance, fuel consumption, and emissions.
- To evaluate the feasibility of hydrogen combustion engines for decarbonizing regional rail in the UK.
Main Methods:
- Development of a simulation-based methodology to analyze hydrogen and diesel train performance, fuel consumption, and emissions.
- Validation of the simulation methodology against experimental data.
- Case study analysis of British Class 195 trains on the Manchester Airport to Barrow-in-Furness route.
Main Results:
- Hydrogen-powered trains demonstrate zero carbon emissions and comparable NOx emissions to diesel engines.
- Simulated performance of hydrogen trains is similar to that of diesel trains.
- Green hydrogen can reduce CO2-equivalent emissions by up to 187.4 kt over a 30-year lifespan.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogen combustion engines present a practical mid-term solution for decarbonizing regional rail.
- Conversion to hydrogen combustion engines is more cost-effective than fuel cell technology.
- This technology supports the UK's goal of phasing out diesel trains by 2040.
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