Mercedes-Benz: Fuel Cell Research Vehicle F 600 HYGenius

Now Mercedes-Benz shows their fuel-cell prototype.

Despite being around 40 per cent more compact than previously, the fuel cell in the F 600 HYGenius runs more efficiently than ever and is notable for its good cold-start capabilities. Mercedes-Benz' aim is to bring the fuel cell drive up to full production maturity between 2012 and 2015.

The new F 600 HYGenius research vehicle is powered by a zero-emission fuel cell drive with an output of 85 kW/115 hp combined with a peak torque of 350 Newton metres. The fuel cell drive alone generates a constant power output of 60 kW/82 hp and a torque of 250 Newton metres. The compact-class car consumes the equivalent of 2.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and has an operating range in excess of 400 kilometres. The performance and cold start characteristics of the groundbreaking drive unit have also undergone considerable improvement.

The good cold-start capabilities have been achieved thanks to the inclusion of innovations such as the redesigned fuel stacks, the electric turbocharger for supplying air and an all-new humidification and dehumidification system. With any surplus energy being stored in a powerful lithium-ion battery, the system acts in a similar fashion to a hybrid drive, selecting the best power source to use depending on the driving situation. When parking or manoeuvring, for instance, the electric motor draws its power from the battery alone, while both fuel cell and battery feed it with energy in unison when the vehicle is accelerating, producing the peak power output of 85 kW/115 hp. The electric motor doubles as a generator that charges the battery during vehicle braking by recuperating drive energy.

The drive technology, the high-voltage battery and the hydrogen tank have all been housed in a space-saving manner beneath the occupant cell, while the high-torque electric motor - which is also a new development from Mercedes-Benz - has been integrated into the rear-axle carrier. The lithium-ion battery is featuring for the first time in a fuel cell vehicle from Mercedes-Benz and is a further key factor in the increase in power.

The front doors of the latest Mercedes research vehicle emulate the space-saving styling of the tailgate with a technology that is designed to make getting into and out of the vehicle as easy and convenient as possible when parked in tight spaces. An ingenious new mechanism swings the doors upwards at a slant, meaning that they take up less space to the side when opening than conventional car doors. Gas-filled struts are able to hold the door open in any position.

Cameras integrated into the housings of the exterior mirrors keep an eye on traffic to the side of and behind the vehicle, even when it is parked. If another car or a bicycle is approaching from behind, the system will automatically disable the doors for a brief period to avoid the risk of a collision when they are opened. A warning signal sounds at the same time inside the F 600 accompanied by a red danger symbol that illuminates in the mirror glass. Out on the road, the video system monitors the blind spot of both exterior mirrors and warns drivers about to change lane if a vehicle is approaching from behind.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Mercedes-Benz, fuel-cell

Source: all4engineers

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