Poland-based producer of rolling stock producer PESA has engineered a shunting locomotive with a hydrogen drive. The design evolved from the modernization of its SM42 unit, and the experience gained during the project will inform the design and construction of a passenger vehicle with hydrogen drive.

The SM42 6Dn locomotive is a 4-axle shunting locomotive with four 180 kW traction motors; two 85 kW hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity. The unit is equipped with an autonomous driving system enabling vehicle control by one person while train cars are being shunted, and an obstacle recognition system for anti-collision purposes. The new design places the driver’s cabin in the middle of the vehicle.

Source: PESA

The hydrogen cell power supply system consists of 32 storage tanks mounted in a steel frame. A maximum refueling time of up to 30 minutes is reported for the locomotive drive system, which also includes a large capacity lithium titanate oxide traction battery with a total capacity of 167 kWh.