Energy flow analysis based on a simulated drive of a hybrid locomotive powered by fuel cells

Implementation of hybrid drives in rail vehicles is a solution aimed at limiting the negative environmental impact of transport. The use of fuel cell systems is a contemporary trend in the development of locomotives. The paper presents an energy flow analysis in a hybrid locomotive powered using fuel cells. The parallel hybrid drive system consisted of fuel cells, batteries and an electric motor. The simulations and analyzes were performed with the use of AVL Cruise M software. A simulated route, with a length of approximately 300 km, was used as basis for the analysis, taking into account a typical speed profile of a locomotive in passenger traffic. The energy flow and consumption values were estimated, and mean hydrogen consumption values were determined.