Vanguard Unveils Hydrogen Repowered Locomotive at Severn Valley Railway
Key Ideas
- Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions revealed a repowered Class 08 shunting locomotive at Severn Valley Railway, showcasing hydrogen technology.
- The project involves replacing the diesel engine with an 80 kW fuel cell, hydrogen storage cylinders, and a battery for additional power.
- The HydroShunter project is considered a 'version zero' test bed, aiming to pave the way for a production run of fuel cell locomotives.
- The initiative faced challenges, including the last-minute withdrawal of the original fuel cell product, but now includes an 80 kW fuel cell supplied by Toyota.
Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions, a hydrogen technology specialist, recently unveiled a repowered Class 08 shunting locomotive at the Severn Valley Railway in the UK. The locomotive, formerly known as 08635, is currently operating in electric mode using lead-acid batteries charged from shore supply as an interim stage. However, the ultimate goal is to install an 80 kW fuel cell, which was displayed for guests to inspect at the Kidderminster station. The project, which has been in progress for over four years, involves replacing the diesel engine and generator of the locomotive with a hybrid traction system designed by Vanguard in Birmingham.
The HydroShunter project includes several modular onboard elements such as hydrogen storage, a fuel cell, and a traction battery to provide power to the traction motors. Vanguard's Chief Engineer described this project as a 'version zero' test bed, acting as a proof of concept for future fuel cell locomotives. Despite facing challenges like the withdrawal of the original fuel cell product, the project now features an 80 kW fuel cell supplied by Toyota.
Vanguard's CEO highlighted the market potential for a zero-emission locomotive like the HydroShunter in industrial and freight terminal sectors, emphasizing its continuous use without the need for long recharging times. The project also aims to develop skills among staff and volunteers, contributing to the growth of younger talent in the rail industry. Additionally, Vanguard STS, in collaboration with Severn Valley Railway, has been working on various hydrogen-powered projects, including a conversion of a Class 319 EMU to run on hydrogen power and the development of fuel cell trainsets in Croatia. The company is now looking to increase its profile and expand its services in hydrogen and battery powertrain design and refuelling.