As the U.S. shifts away from fossil fuel burning cars and trucks, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are exploring options for another form of transportation: trains. The research focuses on zero-carbon H₂ and other low-carbon fuels as viable alternatives to diesel for the rail industry.

Both laboratories have entered into cooperative research and development agreements with Wabtec, a leading manufacturer of freight locomotives. The Argonne and Wabtec agreement also includes Convergent Science, a software developer. The project will run for four years.

Researchers from the multidisciplinary team kicked off the project and celebrated the installation of rail technology company Wabtec’s single cylinder dual-fuel locomotive engine in the National Transportation Research Center, a DOE-designated user facility located at ORNL, during a Nov. 9 event.

“While hydrogen has been used in light-duty combustion engines, it is still a very new area of research in railway applications,” Muhsin Ameen, Argonne senior research scientist.

H₂ as fuel has many advantages, but locomotive engines must be modified to ensure safe, efficient and clean operation. The team will develop hardware and control strategies for the engine, which will run on H₂ and diesel fuel to demonstrate the viability of using alternative fuels.

“We are excited to be a part of this collaboration because it addresses the need to decarbonize the rail industry by advancing hydrogen engine technology for both current and future locomotives,” said Josh Pihl, an ORNL distinguished researcher and group leader for applied catalysis and emissions research. ​“It is also a perfect example of how a DOE-funded collaboration between industry and national laboratories can accelerate the development and commercialization of technologies to help reduce carbon emissions from transportation.”

Pihl said the project aligns with the goals of DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office to use low-carbon fuels in hard-to-electrify transportation sectors. While electrifying vehicles is an effective strategy in reducing carbon emissions from some parts of the transportation sector, railways are considered more difficult because of the high cost of building a single coordinated electrified rail system across North America. Each year, the North American rail fleet emits approximately 87.6-B pounds of CO₂, a major driver of climate change.

Researchers are exploring the potential of H₂ combustion engine technology in the rail industry, said Muhsin Ameen, Argonne senior research scientist. H₂ is an energy carrier that can be produced from clean energy sources such as solar and wind power. Scientists have studied H₂-powered vehicles for decades.

“To reduce carbon dioxide emissions to net zero by 2050, we must make dramatic improvements in energy efficiency and emissions in the overall transportation system, including railways,” said Ameen. ​“Hydrogen has been used in light-duty combustion engines. However, hydrogen is a newer area of research in railway applications.”

The research team is developing combustion technology to power the next generation of trains with up to 100% H₂ and other low-carbon fuels. The team’s goal is to design train engines that will deliver the same power, range and cost-effectiveness as current diesel technology.

“This collaboration with Argonne and Oak Ridge national laboratories with DOE support will advance the development of hydrogen technology within Wabtec’s existing industry-leading platforms for medium-speed engines. Railroads will be able to greatly reduce emissions and operating costs while maintaining commonality within their current fleet of trains,” said James Gamble, vice president of Engine & Power Solutions Technology at Wabtec.