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Green Energy Train

$4,355
87%
Raised toward our $5,000 Goal
20 Donors
Project has ended
Project ended on November 20, at 11:59 PM EST
Project Owners

Green Energy Train

UNC Charlotte students are crowdfunding to create from scratch a hydrogen electric train and participate in the Europe Rail Challenge. To develop the hydrogen rail (hydrail) technology, UNC Charlotte has teamed up with the University of Birmingham, UK, to work on a ridable park-gauge train as a technology demonstration. For the past four years, students have traveled from Charlotte to England to participate in a Europe Rail Challenge event.  

Alternate propulsion technologies that result in reduced air pollution from rail propulsion power units are an emerging area of research. In the United States, a majority of locomotives operate using diesel-electric engines which result in significant air pollution. Since current resolutions to the pollution dilemma are untenably expensive or disruptive, UNC Charlotte has been exploring the development of hydrogen-fuel cell technologies for power supply to electric locomotives.

Your support to the Green Energy Train will help provide the necessary funds to purchase materials needed in building this hydrogen electric train. With your help, UNC Charlotte students will be able to continue finding a solution to alternative rail technologies. 

Baby Train with Student

Baby Train Inside

Levels
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$25

Fish 'n Chips

Your donation will help engineering students' fuel' their stomachs while in England for the competition.

$100

Yorkshire Pudding

Your donation can help the team purchase the necessary equipment to build the train, including winches, tools, and safety gear.

$149

Beef Wellington

Your donation can help the team purchase parts to build the train, including the electronics and braking system.

$249

Lincolnshire sausage

Your donation can help the team purchase the batteries needed for the fuel cell system.

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