Alstom and Hynamics, the hydrogen subsidiary of the EDF Group, signed a partnership agreement in mid-November to optimize the hydrogen refueling of passenger trains. This collaboration will accelerate the development of hydrogen trains and reduce the time needed to refuel them.
The Alstom and Hynamics teams are already carrying out joint modelling, calculation and simulation work. This work, which notably mobilizes the skills and resources of “EDF Lab,” will then be tested from 2022 on the electrolyzer test platform at the ‘EDF Lab Les Renardières’, one of three R&D centers of Électricité de France located in Écuelles (Seine-et-Marne). A hydrogen production station, a compressor up to 450 bars and several storage racks will be mobilized to recreate the filling circuits at real size and to evaluate the behavior of the equipment under optimal observation conditions.
Ultimately, the aim is to define an international refueling standard that will make it possible to limit the immobilization of hydrogen-powered trains during refueling, which is a major issue for both railway companies and passengers, while complying with the regulations and safety rules in force.
“This partnership will enable us to optimize the hydrogen distribution infrastructure and the rolling stock made available to operators. This is a project that presents many opportunities for the decarbonization of transportation and the development of sustainable mobility,” the two groups emphasized.
