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.
7.
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.
10.
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
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.
