Fuel Cell Powered Locomotive

2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME)

The objective of this project is to design a fuel cell configuration to replace the engine and the alternator while retaining the capabilities of current locomotives.

 

Team Members

Luke Fiely | Tyler Ortz | Olivia Eagley | |

Project Poster

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Project Summary

 

Overview

Wabtec, an industry leader in the production of freight locomotives, is looking to transition from diesel locomotives to fuel cell powered locomotives. Diesel locomotives are known for release large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions while the fuel cells will reduce the emissions of the running locomotive to close to zero. For the placement of the fuel cells in the North American Freight locomotive many components will need to be analyzed to ensure the locomotive runs safely and efficiently.

Objectives

The goal of this project was to design a fuel cell configuration to replace the engine and alternator while retaining the capabilities of the current locomotives.

Approach

  • The team met with Wabtec to discuss the requirements for the fuel cell locomotives
  • Created an engineering specifications table based on the needs of the locomotive given by Wabtec
  • Different types of fuel cells were researched to determine the best fuel cell for the locomotive
  • Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC), Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC), and Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC), were first eliminated based on size and power requirements
  • Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) was eliminated based on start-up time requirements
  • Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEMFC) was chosen to be the best fuel cell for the locomotive
  • A supplier and a specific fuel cell were chosen
  • Information was given by the supplier to determine an operating point
  • The fuel tank was analyzed to determine the best fuel and tank size
  • The radiator was sized for the fuel cells
  • The fuel cells were configured to fit the power requirements
  • The team determined a battery will be needed for the system
  • The total cost of the system was calculated

Outcomes

  • 28 Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells are needed for the locomotive
  • A supplier was chosen
  • A tanker car will be needed for the hydrogen fuel
  • A radiator was sized for the configuration
  • A supplemental battery will be needed for the locomotive to be able to run