Daimler-Benz’s New Prototype Vehicle Powered by Fuel
Cells
A prototype fuel cell-powered passenger vehicle
was unveiled in May, 1996, in Berlin, Germany, by Daimler-Benz. The “NECAR
II” (which stands for New Electric Car) is powered by Ballard Power
Systems’ fuel cells.
NECAR II is based upon the Mercedes-Benz V Class
minivan. The only external difference from the internal combustion engine-powered
vehicle is the roof spoiler over the hydrogen fuel tanks and the “no
emission” insignia on the side.
Daimler-Benz’s
hydrogen-powered passenger vehicle was unveiled in Berlin, Germany, in May,
1996. Ballard Fuel Cells convert the hydrogen (or natural gas or methanol)
into electricity to run the minivan.
NECAR II is quiet—as the fuel cell has
no moving parts—and produces no pollution, since the only by-product
of Ballard Fuel Cells is pure water vapor. It can carry six people at a
top speed of 110 kilometers per hour and has an operating range of more
than 250 kilometers between fillings.
The Ballard Fuel Cell converts natural gas,
methanol, or hydrogen fuel into electricity without combustion. They are
small enough to fit under the floor of the vehicle, giving NECAR II virtually
the same interior space as the standard combustion engine-powered vehicle.
Besides the new fuel cell, NECAR II also has
a number of other high-tech features:
- New pressurized gas cylinders of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic hold
50% more hydrogen than the glass fiber-reinforced aluminum tanks of the
first model and are 20% lighter.
- The entire vehicle management electronics, which in the earlier model
filled a voluminous box, are now housed on a single DIN A4-sized plate.
- The fan features a reluctance motor developed by Daimler-Benz research.
A major advantage of this lightweight, compact motor—besides high
efficiency—is that its moving parts generate little heat, in contrast
to a traditional electric motor.
- Energy recovery from the “exhaust gas” ensures that air can
be supplied to the fuel cells using a minimal amount of energy.
- Further innovations include new silencers, which further reduce the
already scarcely audible noise of the compressor; electric steering assistance;
and a new, automatic two-speed gearbox.
Work is proceeding already on new developments
aimed at making the fuel cell vehicle even more efficient, lighter, and
simpler. It is envisaged that the next generation of research vehicles should
not have to transport gaseous hydrogen but will produce the hydrogen on-board,
from methanol. This would have the great advantage in that an ordinary fuel
tank could be used and that the driver could fill up with fuel in the same
way as with conventional fuels. The existing infrastructure of filling stations
and fuel pumps could thus be adapted at relatively little expense.
For further information, contact: Paul Lancaster,
Ballard Power Systems, Inc., 9000 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, B.C., V5J 5J9,
Canada; phone: +1.604.454.0900; fax: +1.604.412.4700.
©1996. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of
the National Hydrogen Association.
This material may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
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