Hydrogen

SITAV has invested in the design and construction of a hydrogen-powered freight locomotive using fuel cells. The project, named FENHYCE (Fuel Cell ENergy HYdrogen Converted Engine), was developed to support the energy transition of rail freight transport on non-electrified lines or in operations where flexible, ready-to-use vehicles are required, such as port shunting and last-mile transport in logistics terminals.

The prototype is a four-axle locomotive with Bo’Bo’ wheel arrangement, developed with a modular “base platform” approach. This makes it possible to adapt the solution to different vehicle sizes and to meet diverse market needs, both for new locomotives and for fully revamped locomotives, ensuring maximum flexibility and standardization of components, vehicle logic and the production process.

At the core of the project is the hydrogen propulsion unit, developed also in collaboration with the University of Genoa, in a hydrogen + batteries configuration designed to combine performance with continuity of service.

From an operational perspective, FENHYCE was conceived to simplify daily use: it integrates remote diagnostics to support maintenance and includes energy recovery during braking. Hydrogen storage and management solutions are focused on safety and refuelling practicality, with trials and design choices also linked to low-pressure systems.

The solution developed for the FENHYCE prototype, featuring a hydrogen traction chain, can be readily adapted to a diesel-electric traction chain, a diesel + battery hybrid, or a hybrid configuration with pantograph.