Being battery people we did not previously apply our minds to the challenge of electrifying train tunnels. Early legacy networks were hand-dug, meaning they had only enough clearance for locomotive chimney stacks. This eliminates the possibility of installing overhead electric cables without increasing tunnel height, according to Clean Technica. And so smelly diesel continues to outwit clean grid-plus-battery trains in 40% of cases in Europe.
Two Ways to Electrify Grid-Plus-Battery Trains
There are two ways to power electric trains directly from a utility grid. The first of these is to use an overhead power supply, where there is sufficient clearance. While the second option relies on a third, powered-rail resolving the problems of low bridges and tunnels. Installing either option at these points may put the line out of service while the work is done.
However, third electric rails are expensive, and have safety implications too. Grid-plus-battery trains may bypass these limitations by providing an energy bridge. Back-up batteries kick in the instance there is a break in the overhead service for a bridge or a tunnel. As far as passengers are concerned their journey is seamless!
Could Hydrogen Power Eliminate These Problems?
In theory yes! Battery technology has not yet reached the point of being able to replace grid energy on long journeys. But the German state of Lower Saxony has been trialing a third option, hydrogen trains. As the Smithsonian Magazine explains, their technology combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity.
The only by-products are steam and water, while any heat generated powers the carriage air conditioning systems. Sounds perfect, were it not for the cost. In August 5, 2023 Clean Technica disclosed that the operator, Lower Saxony Regional Transport Company was pulling the plug on expansion plans.
Apparently the trial is just too expensive to operate, compared to grid-plus-battery trains with overhead line connections and batteries to bridge the tough spots. We are battery people, but we can’t help feeling disappointed about this setback of an otherwise brilliant idea.
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