Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are automobiles that use hydrogen as their primary energy source to power the motor. The working principle of a hydrogen fuel cell involves feeding hydrogen into the cell, where the electrons from the hydrogen atoms are blocked by a proton exchange membrane. These electrons travel through an external circuit from the negative electrode to the positive one, generating electricity that powers the vehicle's motor. Meanwhile, the protons pass through the membrane and combine with oxygen to form water vapor, making the process environmentally friendly.
The application prospects of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are highly promising. When pure hydrogen is used, the only byproduct is water, which means no pollution or noise. Hydrogen fuel cells offer high efficiency and quick response times. They can be used not only in vehicles but also as large-scale power sources in industrial settings. As noted by Canadian scientist Scott, the fuel cell plays a vital role in the hydrogen energy system, acting like a "chip" in the energy supply chain. Its impact extends across the national economy and everyday life, making it an essential component of future energy solutions.
As one of the main energy sources for the future, hydrogen offers several advantages. It is clean and hygienic, producing only water when burned. Additionally, its energy content is higher than that of gasoline, and it is a renewable resource that can be extracted from various substances available worldwide.
Mass production of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles has already begun. In February 2013, Hyundai launched the ix35 FCV, the first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in the world. Toyota followed in December 2014 with the Mirai, and Honda introduced the Clarity in 2015, delivering the first 2017 model to consumers in 2016.
To better understand how these vehicles work, let’s take the Hyundai ix35 FCV as an example. A hydrogen fuel cell functions like a battery, using hydrogen as its raw material. The basic principle is the reverse of electrolysis, where hydrogen and oxygen are supplied to the anode and cathode, respectively. The hydrogen diffuses through the cathode, reacts with the electrolyte, and the resulting electrons flow through an external load to generate electricity.
For those familiar with chemistry, this can be simplified: hydrogen and oxygen combine to produce electricity and water. The electricity powers the vehicle, while the water is expelled as a byproduct. In reality, a hydrogen fuel cell is essentially a generator that uses hydrogen as fuel. This technology has been around since the 1960s, notably being used in the Apollo spacecraft. While not new, its application in cars is relatively recent.
Hydrogen fuel cells have two major advantages. First, they produce only water as waste, making them eco-friendly. Second, they convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy, achieving higher efficiency than traditional internal combustion engines.
Looking at the structure of the ix35 FCV, although it looks similar to the standard ix35, its internal components differ significantly. The vehicle is divided into three main sections: the rear hydrogen storage area, the central battery and inverter, and the front fuel cell and powertrain. The rear section houses two hydrogen tanks made of carbon fiber and aluminum, capable of storing 5.64 kg of hydrogen under high pressure. A high-voltage battery pack is located beneath the vehicle, along with an inverter between the battery and the fuel cell system.
The front part contains the fuel cell and powertrain, replacing the traditional engine. This design facilitates future mass production. The fuel cell generates electricity, which is then used to power the motor, driving the vehicle forward.
While the concept may seem simple, the actual engineering behind hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is complex. Unlike traditional vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell systems require precise control of temperature, air flow, and fuel processing. These systems are divided into three main areas: the Thermal Management System (TMS), Air Treatment System (APS), and Fuel Processing System (FPS).
Comparing the ix35 FCV with the Toyota Mirai reveals some differences. Although the ix35 FCV was the first mass-produced hydrogen vehicle, the Mirai offers better performance and range. Toyota positioned the Mirai as the first truly commercialized hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, while Hyundai reduced the price of the ix35 FCV to compete. Despite this, the Mirai remains more affordable.
In summary, the ix35 FCV can be refueled in just 10 minutes and provides a driving range of up to 415 km, making it a strong competitor to electric vehicles. However, for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to become widely adopted, the availability of hydrogen refueling stations and lower retail prices are crucial factors.
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