HyLiN-AI - modular lightweight structures for hydrogen narrow-gauge trains with AI-based energy management
Present Research Project

The future of narrow-gauge railways? Modular, climate-friendly, AI-optimized.

How do you transport people quietly, emission-free, and comfortably through tight curves, steep inclines, and protected natural areas – especially on narrow-gauge lines heavily used by tourists and commuters? This is precisely the challenge the partners in the HyLiN-AI project are tackling. The team is developing an innovative tram-train concept with a modular vehicle architecture for demanding narrow-gauge railway applications. The focus is on maximum flexibility in train configurations. This is combined with an energy management system that optimizes the operation of the fuel cell-electric powertrain from various perspectives. AI methods are used to calculate the optimal energy distribution based on the characteristics of different routes, thus increasing vehicle efficiency. The consistent application of lightweight construction solutions throughout the entire vehicle system contributes to reduced energy consumption.

Why this project is crucial now

- Reliable operation even at forest fire danger level IV – thanks to emission-free hydrogen propulsion

- Climate protection through CO₂-free mobility – locally emission-free, quiet, and future-proof

- Preservation and modernization of regional rail connections – despite increasing climate pressures

- Transferability to diverse routes – through modular vehicle concepts and scalable technology

This project aims to contribute to sustainable mobility. The consortium of regional partners is researching solutions with supra-regional relevance.

Project Partners
HÖRMANN Vehicle Engineering GmbH

• Overall technical responsibility for the project
• Development of vehicle architecture, structure, and maintenance
• Design of manufacturing and assembly concepts

Chemnitz University of Technology – Department of Alternative Powertrains

• System design of the fuel cell drive
• Modeling and simulation of the train's energy flows for various routes and scenarios
• Development of AI-supported strategies for electrical and thermal energy management

Lakowa Gesellschaft für Kunststoffbe- und -verarbeitung mbH

• Development of structurally sound modules made of fiber or plastic composite materials
• Investigation of cost-efficient joining processes, manufacturing, and assembly
• Process description for novel component manufacturing

Associated partners: Harzer Schmalspurbahnen GmbH and Rügensche BäderBahn

• Provision of operational and technical parameters
• Experience-based data on maintenance and material substitution

Funded by the Saxon Development Bank (SAB). The grant is provided from funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and from tax revenues based on the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament.

Förderkennzeichen: 100761505

Vorhabenszeitraum: 01.06.2025 - 31.12.2027

Projektbudget der TU Chemnitz/Fördersumme:  ~738.000€/~664.000€

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