China launches fuel cell-powered light rail train

Country’s first

Vilas Bhuchar, Jan 24, 11.

China recently launched its first hydrogen-powered fuel cell light-rail train, which was jointly developed by the China North Vehicle Yongji Electric Motor Corporation and the Southwest Jiaotong University, according to All Headline News:

The train is complemented by an advanced permanent-magnet synchronous motor and frequency inverter that was developed by the China North Vehicle Yongji Electric Motor Corp., who also shares credit for creating the train with the Southwest Jiaotong University.

The train’s new technology promises high power, efficiency, remarkable energy conservation, low vibration and minimal noise.

It is also seen as having many potential applications in subways, railways, urban-suburban light rail railways and mining.

Nevertheless, online observers caution that the new train should first obtain more data, undergo a long period of testing and improve its safety factor before being officially launched.

They add that the high cost of its railway service would not be affordable to a majority of Chinese who are low income earners and cost sensitive.

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China launches hydrogen-powered train
Are we putting all our eggs in one basket again?

Photo credit: Sean_Marshall