Recovery and utilisation of waste heat from fuel cells powering fuel cell hybrid trains: the Birmingham New Street scenario

Pignataro, Marco (2025). Recovery and utilisation of waste heat from fuel cells powering fuel cell hybrid trains: the Birmingham New Street scenario. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis presents a comprehensive energy analysis of a potential fuel cell hybrid (FCH) trains fleet operating in the Birmingham area, considering the current and future scenarios of the UK hydrogen economy. A well-to-wheel (WTW) approach was employed to evaluate fourteen different hydrogen pathways, with projections for 2030 and 2040. The study identifies the most efficient hydrogen production, transport, and storage methods, highlighting that Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) offers higher efficiency than wind-powered electrolysis. Transporting hydrogen via 700 bar tube trailers was found to be the most efficient method until an all-H2 network is established. Although diesel trains currently have higher WTW efficiency, FCH trains demonstrate better fuel economy in kWh per km. Pathways involving mature technologies like natural gas reforming show lower standard deviations and less uncertainty in WTW efficiencies compared to those involving electrolysis. Green hydrogen pathways are expected to improve significantly from 2030 to 2040, with wind-powered electrolysis efficiency projected to increase from 52% to 58%. The thesis also explores the potential of waste heat recovery from FCH trains. It estimates a daily waste heat potential of 114 MWh at Birmingham New Street (BNS) station, with only 3.9% required for cabin heating in winter. By 2040, TES systems could store and discharge significant amounts of heat, contributing to CO2 emissions savings (up to 10 ton per day) through integration with the Broad Street heating network. Design optimization could enhance energy discharge by 30% and reduce radiator surface area by 56% for trains running between Leicester and BNS. These findings highlight FCH trains' potential for lower primary energy consumption compared to diesel trains, emphasizing the need for economic analysis and real-life driving profiles to fully assess the feasibility of hydrogen-fuelled trains. Future research should focus on integrating TES storage within train cabins, understanding train duty cycles and speed profiles, and evaluating the impact of Phase Change Material (PCM) weight on performance. Thermal integration of fuel cell modules and TES systems could be especially effective for trains using solid oxide fuel cells, enhancing energy efficiency and waste heat utilization.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):