Siemens accelerates decarbonization Siemens has developed a new platform which allows operators to decarbonize these operations efficiently and economically – Mireo Plus. Mireo Plus offers a design with a modular […]
Siemens has developed a new platform which allows operators to decarbonize these operations efficiently and economically – Mireo Plus.
Mireo Plus offers a design with a modular and scalable traction system integrating fuel cells and batteries. They cover the full range of regional and local duties. By using lightweight construction, energy efficient components and intelligent onboard energy management, Mireo Plus consumes up to 25% less energy.
For routes which require longer self-propulsion, Siemens created the Mireo Plus H hydrogen train. It incorporates a fuel cell system as well as a battery. The battery acts as a dynamic ‘power bank’ to compensate for high dynamic loads. To be specific, it can accelerate from a station and to recuperate the braking energy.
A two-coach train has a range of up to 800km and a three-coach train up to 1,000km. The numbers are enough to cover even the longest regional routes in Europe. Siemens uses two low temperature fuel cells, created in partnership with Ballard Power Systems for the Mireo Plus H.
According to its official page, Siemens AG is a German multinational technology powerhouse. The German conglomerate brings together the digital and physical worlds to benefit customers and society. It focuses on intelligent infrastructure for buildings and decentralized energy systems, on automation and digitalization in the process and manufacturing. In additions, the company focuses on smart mobility solutions for rail and road transport, either.
In fiscal 2020, which ended on September 30, 2020, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €57.1 billion. As a result, it generated net income of €4.2 billion, too. As of September 30, 2020, the company had around 293,000 employees worldwide. The principal divisions of the company are Industry, Energy, Healthcare, and Infrastructure & Cities.
Ballard’s corporate head office is in Vancouver, Canada. The Canadian facilities are focused on core fuel cell competencies. They include the production of membrane electrode assemblies, integration and testing of fuel cell stacks. The company continues to make investments in its manufacturing capabilities and processes that supports high volume production and automated processing.
In the other article about Toyota’s 2nd generation Fuel Cell Vehicle, “Mirai”, fuel cells become popular in automotive. The same thing will be true for trains. Why?
This is because we should take appropriate actions to combat climate change, or climate crisis. There are so many natural disasters across the globe due to climate crisis. Thus, our daily activities might increase future victims without noticing. However, we have the right to enjoy our life at the same time. Therefore, even single person had better think of both social and economic value.
In this sense, fuel cells become more important. This is because a fuel cell is energy efficient, first. Second, it makes use of both oxygen and hydrogen to produce electricity. Thus, we can supply it stably if these elements exist. Third, chemical reaction leads to energy generations, so there is fewer noise. Finally, water and heat are products, so it is really eco-friendly.
Of course, there are some rooms to improve, and fuel cells’ cost is one example. Therefore, big companies including Siemens are necessary to develop future mobility solutions. This is because they have enough money to invest in new technologies and responsibility for creating better society, too.
As a result, to use public transportation is not enough for us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We have to think of what energy is used for public transportation. Thus, trains integrating fuel cells may create brighter future for us.
