H2: Energy vector for Railways transportation; homologation, Environment, and Safety
The project HERMES arises as an evolution of the electric/hydrogen diagnostic vehicle developed within the DHINAMIC framework, with the aim of promoting the transition to zero-emission rail mobility. HERMES focuses on the design and optimization of a complete hydrogen ecosystem, including production, compression, storage, and refueling, aimed at creating a robust supply network for railway vehicles. The project involves the use of innovative fuel cells, designed to improve power density and energy efficiency, with careful characterization of materials to ensure safety and adaptability in the railway sector.
The activities include laboratory tests and on multiple railway lines, with diagnostic vehicles equipped with advanced measurement systems and dynamic simulation tools supported by artificial intelligence algorithms. Adopting a multi-vehicle approach and digital tools allows for a reduction in the number of tests required for vehicle homologation according to EN14363 regulations, optimizing time and costs. The use of collected data and predictive models also enhances predictive maintenance and energy efficiency of the system.
HERMES enhances the skills of the four involved laboratories: 1) the diagnostic vehicle will be equipped with innovative measurement tools that integrate the railway geometry systems; 2) the hybrid traction H2 laboratory will support the development of refueling infrastructure and distributed hydrogen production technologies; 3) the measurement and video inspection laboratory will expand defect analysis and digitalize railway components according to a digital twin approach; 4) the railway geometry certification laboratory will use the collected data to simulate and homologate new vehicles without additional track tests.
The use of green hydrogen as an energy vector represents a crucial step for the decarbonization of the railway sector, especially on non-electrified lines. The project integrates innovative storage solutions, high-efficiency PEMFC cells, and numerical methodologies to optimize the homologation process, promoting sustainable, efficient, and safe railway mobility, capable of bridging the gap between technological innovation and industrial applications.
