The Development Status and Prospect of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Tram

¹ Engineering Management, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, 441000, China
² College of Automotive Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130000, China
^† These authors contributed equally

^* Corresponding author: wuyc1520@jlu.edu.cn

Abstract

The problem of energy and environmental pollution is a huge challenge for the development of contemporary society. Hydrogen energy has emerged as a prominent area of current research to address this issue. Researchers have found that applying hydrogen fuel cells to trams can solve the problem, but the feasibility of this technology has yet to be analyzed. Herein, this paper explores the power system and commercial feasibility of hydrogen-fueled trams regarding their technical issues, security assessment, and cost estimation. It is found that compared with traditional trams, hydrogen energy trams have the advantages of high energy utilization and long driving range and achieve zero emission in the operation process. At the same time, with the continuous development of technology, issues related to the safety of hydrogen use will be verified, and the cost will be further reduced with the development of low-platinum fuel cell catalysts and Type IV hydrogen storage tanks. The feasibility of hydrogen-fueled trams has been confirmed as multiple trains have rolled off the assembly line, and with the determination of relevant industry norms, it will definitely be widely used.