Just like all-electric vehicles, Hydrogen Powered Vehicles, also known as Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), utilize electricity to drive an electric motor. However, unlike battery electric vehicles that store electricity in batteries, FCEVs generate their own electricity onboard through a chemical reaction in a fuel cell. This fuel cell is powered by hydrogen, making these vehicles a unique and promising alternative in the electric vehicle landscape. Vehicle manufacturers design FCEVs with electric motors sized to deliver the desired power, which are then paired with a fuel cell and battery combination of appropriate capacity.
In most hydrogen powered vehicles available today, the battery primarily serves to capture energy from regenerative braking, provide additional power for quick acceleration, and regulate the power output from the fuel cell. This battery can also allow the fuel cell to idle or switch off completely when power demand is low, enhancing efficiency. The amount of energy stored in a hydrogen vehicle is determined by the size of its hydrogen fuel tank, a key difference from battery electric vehicles where both power and energy capacity are directly linked to battery size. To delve deeper, you can explore more about fuel cell electric vehicles.
Key Components of Hydrogen Powered Vehicles
Battery (auxiliary): Essential in hydrogen powered vehicles and other electric drive vehicles, the low-voltage auxiliary battery’s role is to initially power up the car’s systems before the main traction battery engages. It also consistently provides power for all vehicle accessories, such as lights and infotainment systems.
Battery pack: This high-voltage battery is a crucial component for energy management in hydrogen vehicles. It stores electricity recovered through regenerative braking, converting kinetic energy back into electrical energy during deceleration. Furthermore, it acts as a supplemental power source for the electric traction motor, providing extra power when needed for enhanced performance.
DC/DC converter: Hydrogen powered vehicles rely on a DC/DC converter to manage voltage levels within the electrical system. This device efficiently steps down the high-voltage DC power from the traction battery pack to a lower voltage. This lower voltage is necessary to operate the vehicle’s various accessories and to keep the auxiliary battery charged, ensuring all electrical components function correctly.
Electric traction motor (FCEV): The electric traction motor is what propels hydrogen powered vehicles. It harnesses power from both the fuel cell and the traction battery pack to drive the vehicle’s wheels. Some advanced designs incorporate motor generators, which are capable of performing both driving and regenerative braking functions, increasing efficiency and simplifying the system.
Fuel cell stack: At the heart of hydrogen powered vehicles is the fuel cell stack. This assembly is made up of numerous individual membrane electrode assemblies. Within these electrodes, hydrogen and oxygen are combined in an electrochemical reaction to produce electricity. This electricity is the primary power source for the vehicle, with water and heat as the only byproducts of this clean energy conversion process.
Fuel filler: Refueling a hydrogen powered vehicle is made convenient with the fuel filler. It is equipped with a receptacle that is designed to connect with a nozzle from a hydrogen fuel dispenser. This allows for quick and safe refilling of the hydrogen tank, much like refueling a gasoline car.
Fuel tank (hydrogen): The fuel tank in hydrogen powered vehicles is specifically engineered to safely store hydrogen gas onboard. This high-pressure tank holds the hydrogen fuel until it is required by the fuel cell to generate electricity. The capacity of this tank directly influences the vehicle’s driving range.
Power electronics controller (FCEV): Managing the electrical energy flow in hydrogen powered vehicles is the power electronics controller. This sophisticated unit regulates the distribution of electrical power coming from both the fuel cell and the traction battery. It precisely controls the electric traction motor’s speed and the torque it delivers, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency under various driving conditions.
Thermal system (cooling) – (FCEV): Maintaining the correct operating temperature is vital for the efficiency and longevity of the components in hydrogen powered vehicles. The thermal management system, or cooling system, ensures that the fuel cell, electric motor, power electronics, and other critical components operate within their optimal temperature ranges, preventing overheating and ensuring reliable performance.
Transmission (electric): The transmission in a hydrogen powered vehicle is responsible for transferring the mechanical power generated by the electric traction motor to the vehicle’s wheels. Designed for electric powertrains, it efficiently delivers power to ensure smooth and responsive driving.
