Hydrocarbon refrigerant for Austria’s new trains

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) is advancing its shift to more sustainable rail transport with the rollout of new battery-electric trains featuring propane-based climate control systems.

Liebherr-Transportation Systems has been commissioned to supply the (HVAC) systems, using technology the company developed with R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant.

Each train will be equipped with three saloon HVAC units and two units in the driver’s cab.

Propane (R290) is gaining attention as a cleaner, more energy-efficient refrigerant, with ozone depletion potential of zero, global warming potential (GWP) of three and strong cooling performance with lower energy consumption.

Liebherr’s engineers designed the HVAC systems to prioritise safety and serviceability, adapting the units to meet stringent standards – particularly concerning refrigerant flammability – and intended to support continuous, efficient operation with minimal downtime.

Built by Swiss manufacturer Stadler Bussnang AG, the FLIRT Akku battery-electric trains will replace part of ÖBB’s diesel fleet, with full service planned by 2028.

By integrating propane-based HVAC systems with battery-electric propulsion, the FLIRT Akku trains should significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving the onboard environment for passengers.

Their deployment supports ÖBB’s broader strategy to phase out diesel-powered vehicles in favour of greener, more flexible train technologies, aligning with the Austrian government’s promotion of environmentally responsible and energy-efficient transport.

Sixteen of these three-car trains, each with seating capacity for 160 passengers, will primarily serve the Kamptalbahn line in Lower Austria.

These routes are either non-electrified or only partially electrified, making battery operation a suitable solution.

“With our propane-based HVAC system we offer vehicle manufacturers and operators an efficient solution for a more sustainable mobility,” said said Roland Friedrich, global key account manager for stadler at Liebherr.

“For us as an Austrian-based company, we are looking forward to further support our customers and local operators applying and servicing propane-based HVAC systems.”