Rail Case Study: CORADIA ILINT - Running on green energy

Various inspection, safety assessment and certification services as debo and asbo for the first hydrogen-fuelLed multi-unit train set (Coradia ilint 54)

FACTS AT A GLANCE

What was the challenge?

The Coradia iLint is a new-generation of hydrogen-fuelled, multi-unit trains generating zero carbon-emissions. These new-generation trains literally produce nothing but “steam” – making them a zero carbon-emission trains in the rail sector.

A particular challenge was the need to meet the early acceptance that management required in order to use tried-and-tested hydrogen technology in the new setting. A partner was required to who is involved in the requirement definition and safety-related testing of the design and features to approve the new train and to bring it safely to the rails.

What was our solution?

TÜV SÜD Rail was involved in Alstom’s Coradia iLint project as a certification and inspection body.

Our team was responsible for the testing and commissioning of Coradia iLint’s first two prototypes. The safety tests referred to various disciplines, including the energy-generation system, the energy-storage system, the onboard hydrogen storage and the necessary hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and safety systems at the train servicing and maintenance stations.

As the safety testing for this project spanned several systems, TÜV SÜD Rail led the assessments and coordinated all tasks related to the approval of the rail system.

Within the timeframe, positive milestones were consistently and promptly achieved. For example, we successfully completed a full inspection and certification of all sub-systems, including the hydrogen tank system and the fuel-cell system, and performed a general safety assessment of the interaction of all hydrogen sub-systems. We also evaluated the possible impacts of a fire on the hydrogen system.

In addition, TÜV SÜD's experts are also involved in the testing and approval processes for the hydrogen infrastructure, providing services such as inspection of the hydrogen filling systems.

Crucially, full approval from the German and Austrian Federal Railway Authorities was achieved based on an EU-wide valid TSI certificate, a positive assessment from the Designated Bodies in Germany and Austria as well as a positive assessment of the Independent Assessment Body.

What was the customer benefit?

Our customer, Alstom Transport, benefitted from a wide-ranging service that took in not just the trains themselves but also the project’s entire hydrogen infrastructure. Through continuous testing and inspection during the design and development phase, the hydrogen train could be approved in time and our customer was able to bring its innovative solution to the market. This has provided Alstom with a sound basis for future planning.