Is hydrogen fuel cell the direction of new energy field? Learn how Toyota makes hydrogen fuel cell cars.

The penetration rate of new energy vehicles is getting higher and higher, especially pure electric vehicles, which are more energy efficient. However, many consumers have always had great doubts about their endurance. With the development of technology, at present, most models can reach the endurance of more than 450km, which can meet the needs of most consumers who need to live and travel. Toyota, as one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, recently launched the official map of the second-generation Mirai production version. The car is scheduled to be put into production in Japan in the third quarter of 2020 and will be the first to be listed in the Japanese market by the end of 2020.

The second generation Mirai is based on TNGA rear-drive platform, and the highlight is the use of hydrogen fuel cells. The cruising range of the vehicle is 30% higher than that of the first generation Mirai, and it is expected to reach 652? The endurance of kilometers. In terms of appearance, the second-generation Mirai has adopted a brand-new design language, and its body size has been upgraded from a compact car to a medium-sized car, with a length, width and height of 4975/ 1885/ 1470mm and a wheelbase of 2920mm respectively. Compared with the first generation models, the overall design is smoother, similar to ordinary cars, and more easily accepted by consumers. Elegant and slender, with coupe style.

As for the interior, the second-generation Mirai central control adopts asymmetric design, the air outlet of the co-pilot air conditioner adopts inclined design, and the central control screen slightly inclines to the driver's side. In addition, it is equipped with colored decorative strips and atmosphere lights. The overall level is distinct. In terms of configuration, the second-generation Mirai is equipped with 12.3-inch central control panel, 8-inch LCD screen, HUD head-up display, front seat heating/ventilation and JBL sound system.

What is the principle of hydrogen fuel cell?

According to the analysis of the first generation Mirai, the vehicle is equipped with a motor with the maximum power of113kw/335n.m. The acceleration of 0- 100km is about10s, and the maximum cruising range is about 483km.

A fuel cell with an energy density of 3. 1KW/L is placed under the front seat, and hydrogen and oxygen in the cell react to generate electricity. Two hydrogen storage tanks made of carbon fiber and Kevlar are placed under the back seat and in the trunk respectively. The energy storage battery is located behind the rear seat, and its function is to store the surplus electric energy generated by the fuel cell and the kinetic energy recovered by braking. Briefly talk about the process of this system is:

1. First, oxygen enters from the air intake grille and reaches the fuel cell to react with hydrogen.

2. Hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank enters the fuel cell to react with oxygen.

3. Hydrogen and oxygen react chemically in the fuel cell to produce water and electricity.

4. The generated electric energy will be supplied to the motor.

The engine uses the electricity generated by the fuel cell to propel the car.

6. The water finally discharged is only the water produced by the fuel cell stack, thus realizing zero emission of pollutants such as carbon dioxide.

It seems to be a very environmentally friendly power scheme, but there are still many difficulties to be solved in the use of hydrogen and vehicle safety. At present, the domestic technical level and the problems of building hydrogen refueling stations and storing hydrogen outside need to be improved. It has not yet reached the stage of full-scale mass production.

This article comes from car home, the author of the car manufacturer, and does not represent car home's position.