ICF to produce fuel cell-based trains

The coach factory has embarked on a project to develop fuel cell-based train prototype and a memorandum of understanding was signed between SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai and the ICF in this regard. 

A “Make in India” initiative, the first prototype would be a 100 KW Switcher Locomotive, which could be used for shunting coaches on a three-km track between the Shell and Furnishing divisions of the ICF. On successful development and utilisation of the Switcher Locomotive, ICF would make commercial fuel-cell-based train sets. 

The golden jubilee coach manufacturing unit in the city has claimed that the prototype would be the first of its kind initiative to use fuel cell technology in India. A spokesperson of the ICF claimed that only France based train major Alstom has demonstrated the use of Fuel Cells on a commercial train set. 

As per the project plan, SRM will provide energy storage systems like fuel cells, batteries, super capacitors, converters and control systems up to DC link, while the ICF will integrate the various sub systems and take over after the DC link, a spokesperson for the ICF told DT Next. 

If everything goes according to plan, the subsystems including the fuel cells would be delivered by SRM in December 2018 and the first prototype could be expected to be ready in the middle of 2019. The ICF intends to source Hydrogen (H2) for the prototype from Department of Atomic Energy and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. 

The ICF had started the production of one of its flagship projects “Train 18” early this month by developing the under frame of the train, which would be a fully air-conditioned chair car rake at par with trains used overseas.