Mitrac H / Mitrac B — hydrogen (fuel cell) and battery traction systems for non-electrified lines
Mitrac H and Mitrac B are traction systems for operation without an overhead line, using hydrogen fuel cells and traction batteries. They are fitted to new trains and during modernisation of existing fleets, including rolling stock of other builders. The systems are intended for sections where diesel trains run today.
- Mitrac H
- traction system with hydrogen fuel cells of own production (the manufacturer's subsidiary)
- Mitrac B
- battery system: ESU energy storage unit (battery, thermal management, electronics, switching)
- Application
- new trains and modernisation (replacement or supplement of diesel traction)
- Experience
- over 20 years; over 200 000 km of Coradia iLint mileage
Price, availability and lead time on request. We help with analogue selection, customs clearance and delivery.
Description
The portfolio covers four traction options: hydrogen, battery, hybrid and dual-mode, where the train runs from the overhead line and switches to hydrogen on a non-electrified section. The system is assembled from standard modular blocks, and the equipment set is selected for a specific line with optimisation tools. Before delivery the solution goes through simulation and a strict validation procedure. Supply covers both new trains and conversion of those already running on the line.
Mitrac H runs on fuel cells that the manufacturer designs, develops and builds itself through a subsidiary. The subsidiary has taken part in over 100 projects, and 30 of its solutions are already in service worldwide. The fuel cell converts hydrogen into electricity for the traction motors, and the reaction product is water, so the train produces no direct emissions. The Coradia iLint train on Mitrac H for LNVG in Germany has been in regular service since August 2022, and in 2021 it received the European Railway Award. Passenger mileage of Coradia iLint has exceeded 200 000 km.
Mitrac B is built around the ESU energy storage unit. It includes a battery, a thermal management system, control electronics, all required switching equipment, cables and piping. The onboard storage is installed as an additional package during scheduled overhaul, so it suits locomotives, light rail, regional and commuter trains. This way a fleet is upgraded without costly electrification of the line. Energy recovery during braking further improves energy efficiency.
Projects include conversion of five AGC trains to battery traction for SNCF and five French regions. For VMS, 11 battery trains are intended for the line between Chemnitz and Leipzig, and after electrification they will run as ordinary EMUs. Hydrogen trains are planned for FNM in Italy. These examples show both routes, namely conversion of an existing fleet and supply of new trains for a specific line.
The manufacturer's experience in zero-emission technologies exceeds 20 years, and battery and hydrogen systems are handled by a separate competence centre. According to its data, trains with green traction mostly outperform comparable diesel trains in traction performance and comfort. A range of autonomous running modes can even improve service on the line compared with diesel traction.
Technical specifications
| Mitrac H | traction system with hydrogen fuel cells of own production (the manufacturer's subsidiary) |
|---|---|
| Mitrac B | battery system: ESU energy storage unit (battery, thermal management, electronics, switching) |
| Application | new trains and modernisation (replacement or supplement of diesel traction) |
| Experience | over 20 years; over 200 000 km of Coradia iLint mileage |
| Options | hydrogen, battery, hybrid, dual-mode overhead line + hydrogen |
Request a price and lead time
Mitrac H / Mitrac B — hydrogen (fuel cell) and battery traction systems for non-electrified lines. We reply within one business day.
Or email sales@usk.ua or call 044 339-50-20.
Questions and answers
Can Mitrac B be installed on existing rolling stock?
Yes, the onboard energy storage is installed as an additional package during scheduled overhaul. The system is offered for locomotives, light rail, regional and commuter trains, including rolling stock of other builders.
What does the ESU energy storage unit include?
The ESU contains a battery, a thermal management system, control electronics, switching equipment, cables and piping. Braking energy is returned through recovery, which improves energy efficiency.
What operating experience do Mitrac H hydrogen systems have?
Coradia iLint on Mitrac H for LNVG in Germany has been in regular service since 2022 and has carried passengers over 200 000 km. The fuel cells are built by the manufacturer's subsidiary, which has taken part in over 100 projects.
Similar equipment from other manufacturers
