Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The fuel cell experimental vehicle (FCX), shown in Figure 1.10, is similar in
appearance to a conventional minivan but that is where any further similarity ends.
Figure 1.10 Honda Motor Co. fuel cell hybrid, FCX
A detailed discussion of the Honda fuel cell hybrid is presented in Chapter 10.
When the body skin is removed from an FCEV, there are virtually no moving parts.
Under-hood layout consists of air induction and compression for the fuel cell stack,
thermal management for the fuel cell stack (and water management) as well as
cabin climate control functions. There is a conventional radiator, electric drive
pumps and fans. Beneath the floor pan resides a 78 kW Ballard Power Systems'
fuel cell stack. Compressed gas hydrogen storage cylinders with a capacity of 156 L
are located behind the rear passenger seat. Steering is electric assist, brakes are
regenerative with ABS override and suspension is standard with an integrated
shock in strut.
With this brief introduction of hybrid vehicles, which are either now available
in the marketplace or soon will be, we start our discussion of understanding the
basics of vehicle propulsion and target setting. Chapter 2 will then take a more
detailed look at hybrid propulsion architectures. Later chapters will develop the
details of ac drives necessary for an understanding of hybrid propulsion and its
attendant energy storage systems.
1.1 Electric engine hybrids 2010
To expound on this topic, it is insightful to list some statistics from EDTA
2
on what
our current situation is with imported oil.
2
Electric Drive Transportation Association, www.electricdrive.org
