Hydrogen vs batteries

Trains Magazine Passenger
1

Extensive study in Germany. Comes to conclusion that Batteries much more efficient than Hydrogen. Main points. Electricy used to make hydrogen a waste. . 70% conversion of Hydrogen to useable electricity for traction. Fuel cells would be replaced approximately 7 times during unit’s lifetime.

https://www.railwaygazette.com/traction-and-rolling-stock/batteries-beat-hydrogen-on-cost-and-efficiency-vde-study-shows/57041.article

two items

  1. Using renewable energy might not always be available when expecting 100% renewable.

  2. Batteries need not be too big if an EMU has a PPAN that can recharge unit at out of the way locations. That way cities would have no wires in streets!

2

makes sense

3

https://www.sartaonline.com/Content/uploads/SARTA-FC-bus-2896-xl.jpg

4

Problem is that the Hydrgen is being trucked in from a plant near Detroit which ofsets any carbon emmisions savings

5

At least they are replacing diesel with green power. And don’t forget, a lot of electricity in Germany is produced by wind and solar.

And see this:

https://www.railwaygazette.com/traction-and-rolling-stock/hydrogen-train-fuelling-point-under-construction/57060.article

6

Not if they go to properly treated 100% biodiesel with synthesized additives from non-fossil sources.

And the local influence on air quality may be significant, at least partially excusing just going to efficient use of the renewable biodiesel in the buses directly.

The same suppositions regarding making iLINT ‘net viable’ would apply to any local ‘hydrogen option’ once it comes out of proof-of-concept stage. Interesting to see what is actually on the books in that respect for Detroit…