As a partner in the joint H2goesRail project, German rail operator Deutsche Bahn is trialing a green hydrail mobility solution.
The system comprises a newly developed hydrogen-powered train together with a plug-and-play hydrogen refueling station. For the latter, Deutsche Bahn has chosen a solution from Wystrach.
Rapid refueling of large hydrogen volumes
“With a view to replacing diesel, hydrogen generated from green electricity is forging a path toward climate neutrality,” says Torsten Schein, CEO of DB Energie. “Refueling that’s as fast, reliable, and competitive as conventional diesel systems is the key to successfully establishing green hydrogen in rail applications. This refueling infrastructure is hugely important—it’s a game changer that will set standards.”
Deutsche Bahn and Wystrach are working closely together to develop the refueling system, which will consist of a 45 ft tank container and a 40 ft refueling station. The latter includes a 500-bar storage unit, a compressor, a hydrogen precooling system, and two sets of refueling connectors. There are two options for supplying the system with hydrogen: either at a designated refueling facility or using electrolysis and compression on-site. Wystrach delivers the control unit and safety technology, and a communication standard between the refueling station and the train is also being developed as part of the project.
Energy-efficient and versatile
As a supplier of hydrogen technology systems, Wystrach can draw on its previous experience: with its WyRefueler, the company’s portfolio features an approved plug-and-play refueling station solution that is already in use in the field. This type of flexible plug-and-play system with intelligent energy management suits the H2goesRail project’s requirements, as it allows the hydrogen refueling station to be set up and operated in multiple test environments. The overall system—the train and refueling station together—is being developed, tested, and optimized by DB Energie.
“H2goesRail is an exciting and groundbreaking project,” says Wolfgang Wolter, CEO Operations and Sales at Wystrach. “Pioneers like Deutsche Bahn are exactly what we need. They’re taking direct action to protect the climate and showing the world that hydrogen technology is a reliable and viable solution in everyday applications. We’re thrilled to be part of this as one of Deutsche Bahn’s development partners.”
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