Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has recently started conducting empty tests of the new articulated hydrogen bus from the Polish manufacturer Solaris.
This vehicle measures 18 meters in length, weighs 29 tons, and can accommodate up to 140 passengers (53 seated).
The testing phase aims to assess the overall performance of this bus on different urban routes and under various traffic conditions.
The new articulated bus has a height of 3.30 meters and a width of 2.55 meters.
It features different door configurations to accommodate different needs, with a ground clearance of 32 centimeters and an accessible ramp at the second door.
The braking system includes EBS, ABS, and ASR, and it is equipped with the latest driver vision systems, including camera mirrors and the collision prevention system Mobileye Shield+.
Propulsion and Storage of the New TMB Bus
The propulsion of this vehicle is powered by a 100 kW fuel cell stack that provides the necessary energy for the bus’s electric motors.
The tanks, which are refueled as shown in this article, can store 51.2 kg of hydrogen, and a full charge can be completed in about 20 minutes.
The range is approximately 350 kilometers, and the bus is equipped with auxiliary batteries with a capacity of 60 kWh, serving as an additional power source.
Regarding safety, the hydrogen tanks are equipped with an overload valve that cuts off any potential gas leakage.
The tanks also have another valve that releases hydrogen if the temperature becomes too high, and additional safety devices monitor and detect any potential hydrogen leaks on board.
