SRMIST to develop Fuel cell based train Prototype
ICF has signed a MoU with SRM Institute of Science & Technology
By INN, Chennai, @infodeaofficial;
Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has signed a MoU with SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Chennai to develop Fuel cell based train Prototype. ICF will manufacture this train. SRM will provide the energy storage systems (such as Fuel Cells, Batteries, Super capacitors, DC/DC converters and control systems up to DC link), ICF will integrate various sub-systems and take over after DC link.
It is planned that the sub-systems including Fuel Cells shall be available by December 2018 and the first prototype will be ready by mid of 2019. It has been planned to source H2 (Hydrogen) for prototype from Department of Atomic Energy and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
The first prototype will be made in the form of a Switcher Locomotive having 100 kW limited power. It will be used by ICF for shunting of coaches on a three kilometers track between its Shell and Furnishing Divisions. This is aimed at demonstrating the capability of ‘Made In India’ of a future technology. On successful completion, it has been planned to make a commercial Fuel Cell based Train set.
This is first-of-its-kind initiative to make use of Fuel Cell technology in India, perhaps in Asia. As of now, only Alstom (France) has demonstrated the use of Fuel Cells on a commercial train set.
Prof. D. Narayana Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor & Dr. N. Sethuraman, Registrar of SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Chennai and Shri B Chandrasekaran, Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer of ICF signed the pact in the presence of Shri S. Mani, General Manager/ICF and Senior Officials from SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Chennai.
