JUNE-JULY 2018 Nov-Dec 2017 - Copy | Page 19

FEATURE
THE CLEAN TRAIN OF TOMORROW

CORADIA iLINT

Born of a global movement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions coupled with the desire to offer silent , green alternatives to diesel on non-electrified lines , iLint is the world ’ s first low-floor , fuel cell train .
THE PRINCIPLE
Electricity for the traction and on-board equipment is generated by a fuel cell , stored in a battery and recovered during braking . All this is overseen by energy management algorithms which optimise the system . This virtuous circle makes Coradia iLint an unprecedented innovation . 100 % emission-free , it is the definitive green product .
A FUEL CELL
generates electrical energy via chemical reaction , combining a fuel ( hydrogen ) with a combustion agent ( the oxygen in the air ). The only exhaust ? Water and steam . The fuel cell powers the traction motor during acceleration and , at the same time , the batteries and on-board equipment ..
THE HYDROGEN ,
stored as gas in holding tanks on the roof , is the fuel used by the fuel cell . It will be supplied by a partner .
0 2
H 2
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© Alstom , 2016 – Design and production :
www . ghmediabusiness . com
LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
store part of the extra energy produced by the fuel cell as well as kinetic energy recovered during braking . The batteries supply the train under normal operation and can be used to boost the acceleration of the train when necessary .
THE AUXILIARY CONVERTER
converts electrical energy received from the fuel cell or the battery to adapt it to the various on-board equipment ( air conditioning , doors , passenger information displays , lighting …)
THE TRACTION INVERTER / CONVERTER
ensures that the appropriate energy is transmitted between the fuel cell , the battery and the traction motor . It also collects energy generated by the movement of the train during braking , redistributing it to the auxiliary converter and the batteries .
THE TRACTION MOTOR
drives the wheels for acceleration and braking .
SOURCE : ALSTOM
| Global MDA Journal | NOV-DEC 2017