FV-E991 series

FV-E991 series
HY in July 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	J-TREC
Type of locomotive	Fuel cell multiple unit
Family name	Sustina Hybrid
Constructed	2021
Number built	2 cars (1 set)
Dimensions	20,000 mm × 2,800 mm × 3,620 mm
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Power supply	Toyota hydrogen fuel cell
Electric system(s)	Dual Toyota 180kW fuel cell stacks, Hitachi 25kWh lithium-ion batteries
Traction system	Variable frequency drive (pure SiC)
Traction system model	Hitachi SC947
Service information
In service	March 2022 – Present (not in revenue service)
Branding	HYbari
Formation	2 cars per set
Number in service	N/A
Fleet numbers	HY
Preservation information
Preserved	N/A
Number scrapped	N/A

The FV-E991 series, branded HYbari, is an experimental Japanese two-car fuel cell multiple unit operated by the East Japan Railway Company since March 2022.

History

The FV-E991 series sets were designed starting 2019 to create a type of rolling stock which utilizes clean energy to operate to minimize environmental impact. The trains are designed jointly by three companies: JR East, Hitachi and Toyota, with JR East providing the manufacturing of the trains, Hitachi the hybrid systems and Toyota the fuel cells.

In 2020, more details of the trains were revealed, including a revised rendering and the HYbari branding. One set was produced in 2021 and was delivered in February 2022. Testing commenced in Spring 2022 on the Tsurumi and Nambu Lines; there are no plans for the set to run on other lines.

Design

The FV-E991 series use a contemporary squared-off design similar to many other modern J-TREC locomotives, featuring dual top-mounted headlights and a large front windshield. The HYbari branding is seen on the front of the train as well as the sides. Blue, white and seafoam accents are used as a livery.

The body design of the sets is largely identical to that of the EV-E301 series sets introduced in 2014.

Specifications

Construction is of stainless steel based on J-TREC's sustina concept. The sets use Hitachi pure silicon carbide-based MOSFETs which produce a hissing sound.

The trains are equipped with a Hitachi-designed hybrid system with a hydrogen fuel source and an electric battery acting as power. The train generates power through combining compressed hydrogen stored in the train with oxygen from the air. The trailing car will feature roof-mounted hydrogen tanks, with two pumps transferring the hydrogen from the tanks into two fuel cell stacks, which power two 25 kWh lithium-ion batteries which supply power to the variable frequency drive to move the train. Regenerative brakes will also be present to help charge the batteries during braking.

Trivia

• "HYbari" is a backronym for "HYdrogen-HYBrid Advanced Rail vehicle for Innovation". The word is pronounced "haibari", the Japanese word for "lark".