Self‐Propelled Vehicles

In high‐power self‐propelled vehicles, it may be useful to divide the generation power into multiple modules to start only the necessary diesel engines that work with higher utilization factors and thus higher efficiency. In services that include electrified and nonelectrified lines, it may be useful to have trains capable of running purely electrically, taking energy from the contact line, or like the railcar, powered by a diesel engine. This solution allows for greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact, especially in urban contexts. Increasing fuel prices and stricter exhaust and noise emission regulations pose a challenge for railway operators that rely on diesel propulsion, so they are directing their attention toward alternative propulsion systems for the future. A solution that caught the attention of train manufacturers is represented by the replacement of the diesel engine with a fuel cell generator. A diagram illustrating the basic structure for a fuel cell railway vehicle is presented.