descriptive

2.  Cars are immensely complicated machines, but
they do an incredibly simple job.
 Most of the complex stuff in a car is decided to
turning wheel
 The two basic elements that largely dictate car
design today are 1.
The internal combustion engine 2.
Mechanical and hydraulic linkages

3.  The defining characteristic of the Hy-wire is that it
doesn’t have either of those two things: engine
and mechanical and hydraulic linkages
 Instead of an engine, it has a fuel cell stack
 Instead of mechanical and hydraulic linkages, it
has a drive by wire system

4.  A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy
conversion device that converts hydrogen and
oxygen into water, producing electricity and heat
in the process.
 It provides a DC (direct current) voltage
 It can continually recharge a fuel cell by adding
chemical fuel- hydrogen for an onboard storage
tank

5.  The type of fuel cell that is used in the
Hy-wire car is the Proton exchange membrane
fuel cell.
 The four basic elements of a PEM fuel cell are:-
 The anode, the negative post of the fuel cell
 The cathode, the positive post of the fuel cell

6.  Electrolyte
 It is the proton exchange membrane .
 It blocks electrons .
 The catalyst
It is a special material that facilitates the reaction of oxygen
and hydrogen.
It is usually made of platinum powder very thinly coated onto
carbon paper or cloth.
It is rough and porous .
The platinum-coated side of the catalyst faces the PEM.

8.  Chemistry of a Fuel Cell
Anode side:
2H2 => 4H+ +
4e-
Cathode side:
O2 + 4H+ +4e- => 2H2O
Net reaction:
2H2 + O2 => 2H2O

9.  The ‘brain’ of Hy-Wire is a central computer
housed in the middle of the chassis.
 It sends electronic signals to
The motor control unit to vary the speed.
The steering mechanism to maneuver the car.
The braking system to slow the car down .
 It is connected to an array of advanced
sensors.
 The computer is connected to the body’s
electronics through universal docking ports.

11.  X-drive is the driver’s control unit .
 It has two ergonomic groups , positioned to the
left and right of a small LCD monitor.
 The color monitor in the center of the controller
displays speed, mileage, fuel level and the rear-
view images from video cameras on the sides
and back of the car, in place of conventional
mirrors.
 A second monitor, on a console beside the
driver, shows you stereo, climate control and
navigation information.

12.  THE X-DRIVE CAN SLIDE TO EITHER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE

13.  It is made up of 200 individual cells connected in
series.
 It collectively provide 94 kilowatts of continuous
power and 129 kilowatts at peak power.
 It is kept cool by a conventional radiator system
 It delivers DC voltage ranging from 125 to 200
volts

14.  THE HYDROGEN TANKS AND FUEL-CELL STACK IN THE HY-WIRE

16.  1. Fuel efficient - a fuel cell vehicle could
provide twice the fuel efficiency of a comparably
sized conventional vehicle
 2. Environment friendly - the only bi-
product formed is water, which is a non-
pollutant.
 3. High stability - a low center of gravity,
gives the architecture both a high stability and
superior handling .

17.  4. Highly spacious - As there are no linkages
and engine lot of legroom space is available for
the passengers.
 5. Driver friendly –
X-Drive can be taken to anywhere inside the car
Gives the driver a clear view of the road and thus increases
the drivability.
 6. Freedom of individual expression –
freedom of individual expression

18.  1. Low safety -An electrical failure would
mean total loss of control.
 2. Storage and transportation of
hydrogen fuels – production , transportation
and storage of hydrogen for the on board fuel
cell stack.
 3. Pricing - With the current status of
development, manufacturing of the Hy-wire cars
on a mass scale would not at all be economical.

19.  Fuel cells offer a promising alternative
 They need to be compelling, affordable, and
profitable.
 The main challenge is in the field of storage of
hydrogen

20.  The Hy-wire concept has so profoundly brought
about changes in the automotive industry
 GM and other auto makers are planning
to launch such a vehicle for the public usage by
the year 2020.