Tokyo, November 26th, 2024 iLabo Corporation CEO Nobuhiro Ota URL: https://h2ice.biz/
iLabo Corporation Develops Hydrogen Engine for Central Japan Railway Company’s Hybrid System and Begins Performance Testing
iLabo Corporation is a Japan-based startup dedicated to accelerating decarbonization in the industrial sector through the development and adoption of hydrogen engines. The company has developed a hydrogen engine specifically designed for hybrid systems used in railway vehicles and has begun performance evaluation tests. During these tests, the hydrogen engine is integrated with a generator to supply electric power to the “Hydrogen Engine Hybrid System.”
This project is part of Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central)’s initiative to develop hydrogen-powered vehicles. iLabo has been actively advancing hydrogen engine technology to ensure compatibility with hybrid railway vehicle systems.
Through the continued development and promotion of hydrogen engines, iLabo remains committed to driving progress toward decarbonization.
- “iLabo” has designed an engine for use in the Hydrogen Engine Hybrid System, which integrates the generator, vehicle control devices, and battery systems from JR Central’s HC85 series. This design is based on the previously developed hydrogen engine.
- In the hydrogen engine hybrid system, the vehicle control system sends engine speed commands to the hydrogen engine based on load conditions. To maintain a constant engine speed as instructed, even in response to rapid torque fluctuations from the generator, we have revamped the engine control system and optimized engine speed regulation.
- In developing this hydrogen engine, we have considered its mobility application and integrated the hydrogen engine, generator, engine cooling system, muffler, and other components into a single, compact unit, resulting in a portable hydrogen engine power generation system.
We will continue conducting performance evaluation tests in collaboration with JR Central. Our goal is to further enhance engine efficiency and transient characteristics to meet railway specifications while implementing corresponding product improvements.
Amid the global push for decarbonization in response to climate change, iLabo aims to accelerate decarbonization in the industrial sector through hydrogen engines, offering an alternative to fossil fuel-based powertrains. Building on our achievements in hydrogen engine research, we are advancing the development of hydrogen engines using the hydrogen-dedicated engine bench at our R&D center. This initiative promotes the adoption of “hydrogen conversion,” a process that replaces existing diesel engines with hydrogen-fueled engines through component replacement, control modifications, and other adjustments.
Through this development, we aim to contribute to the early realization of a decarbonized society by expanding business opportunities for hydrogen engines, including applications in railways. Moreover, by leveraging Japan’s globally renowned engine technology, we strive to support and enhance industrial competitiveness on a global scale.
iLabo Corporation Public Relations
Email:pr@ilabo-corp.com
URL : https://h2ice.biz/
Source: iLabo Corporation
