The R291 series is an experimental Japanese fuel cell multiple unit. Built in 2005 for the Railway Technical Research Institute, the R291 series is used as a testbed vehicle for fuel cell-related developments in trains.
The R291 series was delivered to RTRI in 2005 where it is used as a testbed for the development of fuel cell-powered trains.
Design[]
The R291 series' bodywork is very similar, if not identical, to the 223-2000 series sets.
Specifications[]
Construction is of stainless steel. Dimensions are identical to the 223 series. The sets are equipped with Nuvera proton-exchange membrane fuel cells and 35 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tanks located underneath the floors of the cars. The R291 series is normally formed as a two car set, although it is possible for both cars to be uncoupled and run independently of each other. Power from the fuel cells is supplied to insulated gate bipolar transistor variable frequency drives manufactured by Hitachi, which in turn powers the traction motors of the set. The IGBT drives make a melodic whine on accelerating. These variable frequency drives are identical to those on the 223-6000 series sets, and the bogies are similar to those as seen on the E231 series. The set has no seats.
Despite this being a fully-functioning set, the R291 series cannot actually run on any of JR's lines as it lacks a fleet number, lacks any sort of seating, lacks any sort of destination indicator and is not registered with any of JR's computer systems; it was never designed to do so in the first place.
See also[]
223 series, the train the R291 series set was based on
Railway Technical Research Institute rolling stock
