Performance over Lifetime: Battery System and Fuel Cell System Tests and Lifetime Performance Modelling for Railway Applications
Competitive alternative drives in rail vehicles currently include fuel cell systems and battery systems. Different technologies are possible. Typical at present are lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells and lithium titanate oxide (LTO) battery cells, optionally combined with low-temperature fuel cell systems to extend range.
Motivation
One challenge for battery and fuel cell hybrid trains is the consideration of component lifetime compared to the service life requirements of the train, which typically amounts to 30 years. Cost-intensive battery and fuel cell systems are generally not designed for such lifetimes. However, the exact operational lifetime of the system depends on many different factors. These include environmental conditions as well as mechanical and electrical stresses that lead to performance degradation over time.
Research portfolio
For the assessment of component lifetime, the Institute for Vehicle Concepts conducts measurements to characterize battery cells and related subsystems (BMS and cooling system). This includes new battery technologies such as sodium-ion and solid-state batteries, as well as various new fuel cell technologies. Data are collected and, based on the findings, modeling approaches are developed to estimate lifetime. From this, necessary replacement intervals and preventive measures can be derived, as well as suitable strategies for sizing battery and fuel cell systems. This also covers tank and cooling system components.
In addition, the researchers contribute their findings on new battery and fuel cell technologies to international implementation projects.
Project references
Contact
Dr.-Ing. Michael Schier