How does a Toyota, BMW hydrogen car work, whether to install a hydrogen generator. How a hydrogen engine works

28.04.2019

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Oil reserves are coming to an end, which forces humanity to look for alternative energy sources that can replace "black gold". One solution is to use a hydrogen engine, which is less toxic and more efficient. The main thing is that the supply of raw materials for the production of fuel is almost unlimited.

When did the hydrogen engine for the car appear? What are the features of its device, and what is the principle of operation? Where is this technology applied? Is it possible to make such a motor with your own hands? These and other questions will be discussed below.

When the hydrogen engine appeared, the main companies leading its development

Interest in the use of hydrogen appeared back in the 1970s during a period of acute fuel shortage. Toyota was the first modern developer to introduce a hydrogen-powered car engine. It was he who in 1997 put on public display the FCHV SUV, which never went into mass production.

Despite the initial setback, many companies continue to research and even manufacture such vehicles. Toyota, Hyundai and Honda have achieved the greatest success. Other companies are also developing - Volkswagen, General Motors, BMW, Nissan, Ford.

In 2016, the first train appeared on hydrogen fuel, which is the brainchild of the German company Alstom. The new Coranda iLint is scheduled to start operating at the end of 2017 on the route from Buxtehude to Cuxhaven (Lower Saxony).

In the future, it is planned to replace 4,000 German diesel trains with such trains, moving along sections of roads without electrification.

Norway, Denmark and other countries have already shown interest in buying Coranda iLint.

Features of hydrogen as an engine fuel

In the internal combustion engine, gasoline is mixed with air, after which it is fed into the cylinders and burns, as a result of which the pistons move and the vehicle moves.

The use of hydrogen as a fuel has a number of nuances:

After combustion of the fuel mixture, only steam is produced at the outlet.
The ignition reaction is faster than with diesel or gasoline.
Thanks to detonation resistance, it is possible to raise.
The heat transfer of hydrogen is 250% higher than that of fuel-air mixture.
Hydrogen is a volatile gas, so it gets into the smallest gaps and cavities. For this reason, few metals are able to withstand its destructive influence.
Such fuels are stored in liquid or compressed form. In the event of a breakdown of the tank, hydrogen evaporates.
The lower level of the proportion of gas to react with oxygen is 4%. Thanks to this feature, it is possible to adjust the operating modes of the motor by dosing the consistency.

Taking into account the listed nuances, it is impossible to use H 2 in its pure form for an internal combustion engine. It is required to make structural changes to the internal combustion engine and install additional equipment.

Hydrogen engine device

Cars with a hydrogen-powered engine are divided into several groups:

Machines with 2 energy carriers. They have an economical engine that can run on pure hydrogen or a gasoline mixture. Engine efficiency of this type reaches 90-95 percent. For comparison diesel engine has a coefficient useful action at the level of 50%, and a conventional internal combustion engine - 35%. Such vehicles comply with the Euro-4 standard.
A car with a built-in electric motor that powers the hydrogen cell on board the vehicle. Today it was possible to create motors with an efficiency of 75% or more.
Conventional vehicles running on pure hydrogen or air/fuel mixture. The peculiarity of such engines is clean exhaust and an increase in efficiency by another 20%.

As noted above, the design of a motor running on H 2 is almost the same as an internal combustion engine, with the exception of some aspects.

The main feature is the method of supplying fuel to the combustion chamber and igniting it. As for the conversion of the received energy into the movement of the KShM, the process is similar.

Principle of operation

The principle of operation of hydrogen engines should be considered in relation to two types of such installations:

Internal combustion engines;
Engines on hydrogen elements.

Hydrogen internal combustion engines

In an internal combustion engine, due to the fact that the combustion of the gasoline mixture is slower, the fuel enters the combustion chamber before the piston reaches its top point.

In a hydrogen engine, due to the instantaneous ignition of the gas, it is possible to shift the injection time until the piston starts return movement. At the same time, for normal operation of the motor, a small pressure in the fuel system(up to 4 atmospheres).

Under optimal conditions, the hydrogen motor is able to work with the supply system closed view. This means that during the formation of the mixture, atmospheric air is not used.

After the compression stroke is completed, steam remains in the cylinder, which is sent to the radiator, condenses and becomes water.

The implementation of the option is possible if an electrolyzer is mounted on the machine - a device that ensures the separation of hydrogen from H 2 O for subsequent reaction with O 2 .

It has not yet been possible to translate the described system into reality, because oil is used for the normal operation of the engine and to reduce friction.

The latter evaporates and is part of the exhaust gases. So the application atmospheric air while operating a hydrogen engine is still necessary.

Hydrogen powered engines

The principle of operation of such devices is based on the flow of chemical reactions. The cell casing has a membrane (conducts only protons) and an electrode chamber (it contains a cathode and an anode).

H 2 is fed into the anode section and O 2 into the cathode chamber. A special coating is applied to the electrodes, which acts as a catalyst (usually platinum).

Under the action of the catalytic substance, hydrogen loses electrons. Further, protons are brought through the membrane to the cathode, and water is formed under the influence of the catalyst.

Electrons exit the anode chamber into electrical circuit connected to the motor. This generates current to power the motor.

Where have hydrogen fuel cells been used?

A feature of hydrogen-type fuel cells is the ability to produce energy for an electric motor. As a result, the system replaces the internal combustion engine or becomes an on-board power source on the vehicle.

Fuel cells were first used in 1959 by a US company.

Generally speaking, fuel cells are used:

Hydrogen fuel cells have also found application in forklifts, bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, tractors, golf cars and other vehicles.

Advantages and disadvantages

To understand the features and prospects of a hydrogen engine in a car, it is worth knowing its pros and cons. Let's consider them in more detail.

ECO-FRIENDLY. The introduction of a hydrogen engine - an opportunity to forget about the problem of pollution environment. With a global transition to this type of fuel, it will be possible to reduce Greenhouse effect and maybe save the planet. The environmental friendliness of new developments is confirmed by Toyota. The employees of the concern proved that the exhaust from the car is safe for health. Moreover, the water coming out can be drunk, because it is distilled and purified from impurities.
DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE . It is known that the hydrogen engine was created a long time ago, so there should be no problems with its use in cars. If you delve into history, the first semblance of a hydrogen engine at the beginning of the 19th century was created by Francois Isaac de Rivaz, a designer from France. In addition, during the blockade of Leningrad, almost 500 vehicles were transferred to a new type of fuel.
AVAILABILITY . An equally important factor in favor of H 2 is the absence of deficiency. If desired, this type of fuel can even be obtained from wastewater.
POSSIBILITY OF APPLICATION IN DIFFERENT POWER INSTALLATIONS. There is an opinion that hydrogen is used only in internal combustion engines. This is wrong. The new technology is involved in the creation of a fuel cell, with the help of which it is possible to obtain electric current and power the electric motor of the vehicle. The advantages are safety and the absence of fossil elements, which eliminates environmental pollution. At the present stage, such a scheme is considered the safest and is used most in demand at the developers.

Also, the pluses include:

Minimum noise level;
Improving power, throttle response and other engine parameters;
Large power reserve;
Low fuel consumption;
Ease of maintenance;
High potential for use as an alternative fuel.

Disadvantages of a hydrogen engine:

In addition to those already discussed above, it is worth highlighting a number of disadvantages:

Fire or explosion hazard.
Risks for the planet, because an increase in the volume of hydrogen can lead to irreparable consequences for the ozone layer.
An increase in the weight of the machine due to the use of powerful batteries and converters.
The presence of problems with the storage of hydrogen fuel - under high pressure or in liquefied form. Researchers have yet to come to a unanimous conclusion as to which option is better.

The danger of hydrogen fuel

In the disadvantages discussed above, the dangers of using hydrogen fuel for the engine were mentioned. This is the main disadvantage of the new technology.

In combination with an oxidizing agent (oxygen), the risk of hydrogen ignition or even explosion increases. Studies have shown that 1/10 of the energy needed to ignite the gasoline mixture is enough to ignite H 2 . In other words, a static spark is enough to ignite hydrogen.

Another danger lies in the invisibility of the hydrogen flame. When a substance is burning, the fire is almost invisible, which complicates the process of fighting it. In addition, an excessive amount of H 2 leads to suffocation.

The danger is to recognize given gas extremely difficult, because it has no smell and is completely invisible to the human eye.

In addition, liquefied H 2 has low temperature therefore, in the event of a leak with exposed body parts, there is a high risk of severe frostbite. This gas is located in special storage facilities.

From the above, the conclusion suggests itself that the hydrogen engine is dangerous, and it is extremely risky to use it.

In fact, hydrogen gas is light in weight and will dissipate into the air if leaked. This means that the risk of its ignition is minimal.

In the case of suffocation, this situation is possible, but only when in a closed room. Otherwise, the leakage of hydrogen fuel does not pose a danger to life. In justification, it is worth noting that the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines (namely carbon monoxide) also carry a deadly risk.

Modern cars with hydrogen engines

The possibility of using hydrogen fuel engines has interested many manufacturers. As a result, everything appears in the automotive industry. more cars operating on this gas.

The most popular models include:

Toyota has released the Fuel Cell Sedan. To eliminate problems with a lack of space in the cabin and luggage compartment tanks with hydrogen fuel are placed on the floor of the vehicle. Fuel Cell Sedan is designed to transport people, and its cost is 67.5 thousand dollars.
The BMW concern presented its version of the Hydrogen car. The new model has been tested by well-known cultural figures, businessmen, politicians and other popular personalities. Tests have shown that switching to a new fuel does not affect the comfort, safety and dynamics of the vehicle. If necessary, types of fuel can be switched from one to another. Hydrogen7 speed - up to 229 km / h.
Honda Clarity is a car from the Honda concern that impresses with its power reserve. It is 589 km, which no other low-emission vehicle can boast of. Refueling takes three to five minutes.
"Monster" from General Motors shown in October 2016. The peculiarity of the car lies in the incredible reliability, which is confirmed by the research carried out by the US Army. During the tests, the vehicle covered more than 3 million kilometers.
Toyota has launched a hydrogen model Mirai on the market. Sales began back in 2014 in Japan, and in the US since October 2015. Mirai refueling time is five minutes, and the cruising range on one gas station is 502 km. PHOTO 21 22 Recently, representatives of the concern announced that they plan to implement this technology not only in cars, but also in forklifts and even trucks. The 18 wheeler truck is already being tested in Los Angeles.
Manufacturer Lexus is planning a hydrogen-powered variant of the car in 2020, so few details are known about the vehicle.
Audi introduced the concept H-tron Quattro in Detroit. According to the manufacturer, the car can travel about 600 km on one tank, and it is possible to pick up speed up to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. The machine has a "virtual" cockpit that replaces the standard dashboard.
BMW is working with Toyota to launch its hydrogen vehicle by 2020. The manufacturer assures that the power reserve of the new model is more than 480 km, and refueling will take up to 5 minutes.
In 2013, Ford announced that active production of hydrogen engines would begin by the end of 2017 in cooperation with Nissan and Mercedes-Benz. But it has not yet been possible to implement the plan in practice - the concern's employees are at the development stage.
Mercedes-Benz on Frankfurt Motor Show introduced the GLC SUV, which will hit the market at the end of 2019. The car is equipped with a 9.3 kWh battery, and the power reserve is 436 km. Top speed is electronically limited to 159 km/h.
Nikola Motor presented freight car with a hydrogen engine, having a power reserve of 1287 to 1931 km. The cost of a new car will be 5-7 thousand dollars for rent per month. The release is planned to start in 2020.
Manufacturer Hyundai has created a new line of Tucson. To date, 140 machines have been produced and sold. Brand Hyundai Genesis introduced its hydrogen-powered car GV The vehicle was first introduced in New York, but its production is not yet planned.
The UK is also not far behind in terms of new technologies. It is already possible to rent in the country hydrogen car Riversimple Rasa for three or six months. The car weighs a little more than 500 kg and is able to drive about 500 km on one gas station.
Design house Pininfarina has created a hydrogen-powered car H2 Speed. The peculiarity of the car lies in the ability to accelerate to hundreds in just 3.4 seconds, and the maximum speed is 300 km / h. Refueling time is only three minutes. The cost of the new model reaches 2.5 million dollars.

Difficulties in the operation of hydrogen internal combustion engines

The main obstacle to the introduction of new technology is the excessive cost of obtaining hydrogen fuel, as well as the purchase of component materials.

There are also problems with the storage of H 2 . So, to keep the gas in the required state, a temperature of -253 degrees Celsius is required.

The simplest way to produce hydrogen is by electrolysis of water. If the production of H 2 is required on an industrial scale, high energy costs cannot be dispensed with.

To increase the profitability of production, it is necessary to use the possibilities of nuclear energy. To avoid risks, scientists are trying to find alternatives to this option.

Moving and storage requires the use of expensive materials and high quality mechanisms.

We must not forget about other difficulties that one has to face during operation:

Explosiveness. If the gas leaks in a closed room and there is little energy for the reaction to proceed, an explosion is possible. If the air is too hot, it only aggravates the situation. The high permeability of H 2 leads to the fact that the gas enters the exhaust manifold. That is why the use of a rotary motor is considered more preferable.
When storing hydrogen, containers with a large volume are used, as well as systems that exclude gas volatilization. In addition, devices are used that exclude mechanical damage to the containers. If for trucks, water or passenger transport, this feature does not matter much, a passenger car loses valuable cubic meters.
At heavy loads and high temperature H 2 provokes the destruction of the elements of the CPG (cylinder-piston group) and the lubricant in the engine. The use of special alloys and lubricants leads to an increase in the cost of production of hydrogen engines.

The future of hydrogen engines

The use of H 2 opens up great prospects and not only in automotive industry. Hydrogen engines are actively used in railway transport, airplanes and helicopters. They are also installed on auxiliary equipment.

Interest in the development of such motors is shown by many concerns, which have already been mentioned above - Toyota, BMW, Volkswagen, General Motors and others.

Already today on the roads there are real cars that run on hydrogen. Many of them are discussed above - BMW 750i Hydrogen, Honda FSX, Toyota Mirai and others.

Almost all large concerns, which are trying to find their niche in the market, have joined the work.

The main disadvantage is the high price of H 2 , the lack of gas stations, as well as the shortage of qualified workers capable of servicing such equipment. If the existing problems can be solved, cars with hydrogen engines will definitely appear on our roads.

Competing technologies

Attention to motors on hydrogen is dispelled for the reason that the technology has competitors.

Here are just a few of them:

Is it possible to do it yourself?

The technology of engine operation on gas has been known for a long time, and many concerns have achieved success in introducing hydrogen engines. Craftsmen also thought about improving the classic ICE.

The bottom line is to supply a special gas to the combustion chamber. Such a device is called the Brown system. In this case, gasoline is also supplied to the engine, but mixed with gas, which ensures better combustion.

As a result, water vapor appears, which cleans the valves and pistons of the engine from carbon deposits, improves engine performance and increases its life.

To decompose water into gas with your own hands, you need a catalyst, distillate, electrodes and electricity.

The design is assembled from improvised materials. It is allowed to use one can, but it is better to use six.

After that, the plates are cut out and combined according to the principle of crosswise. Then they are wrapped with wire and attached to the lid. It is important that the electrodes do not short circuit with each other.

At the last stage, the jars are filled with electrolyte and catalyst. Such a scheme can work on any car.

If we talk about a full-fledged hydrogen engine, then of course it will not be possible to make it in garage conditions due to the complexity of the technology.

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Many car owners are looking for ways to save fuel. A hydrogen generator for a car will radically solve this issue. Reviews of those who have installed this device for themselves, allow us to talk about a significant reduction in costs in the operation of vehicles. So the topic is quite interesting. Below we will talk about how to make a hydrogen generator on your own.

ICE on hydrogen fuel

For several decades, there has been a search for the possibility of adapting internal combustion engines for full or hybrid work on hydrogen fuel. In Great Britain, back in 1841, an engine operating on an air-hydrogen mixture was patented. The Zeppelin concern at the beginning of the 20th century used internal combustion engines running on hydrogen as the propulsion system for its famous airships.

The development of hydrogen energy was also facilitated by the global energy crisis that erupted in the 70s of the last century. However, with its end, hydrogen generators were quickly forgotten. And this despite a lot of advantages compared to conventional fuel:

ideal flammability of the fuel mixture based on air and hydrogen, which makes it possible to easily start the engine at any ambient temperature;
a large release of heat during the combustion of gas;
absolute environmental safety - exhaust gases turn into water;
4 times higher combustion rate compared to gasoline mixture;
the ability of the mixture to work without detonation at high degree compression.

Basic technical reason, which is an insurmountable barrier to the use of hydrogen as a fuel for cars, has become the inability to fit a sufficient amount of gas on the vehicle. Size fuel tank for hydrogen will be comparable to the parameters of the car itself. The high explosiveness of the gas must exclude the possibility of the slightest leakage. In liquid form, a cryogenic installation is required. This method is also not very feasible on a car.

Brown gas

Today, hydrogen generators are gaining popularity among motorists. However, this is not quite what was discussed above. Through electrolysis, water is converted into the so-called Brown's gas, which is added to the fuel mixture. The main problem that this gas solves is complete combustion fuel. This serves as an increase in power and a decrease in fuel consumption by a decent percentage. Some mechanics have achieved savings of up to 40%.

The surface area of the electrodes is decisive for the quantitative gas output. Under the action of an electric current, a water molecule begins to decompose into two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen. Such a gas mixture during combustion releases almost 4 times more energy than during the combustion of molecular hydrogen. Therefore, the use of this gas in internal combustion engines leads to more efficient combustion of the fuel mixture, reduces the amount harmful emissions into the atmosphere, increases power and reduces the amount of fuel consumed.

Universal scheme of hydrogen generator

For those who do not have the ability to design, a hydrogen generator for a car can be bought from craftsmen who put on stream the assembly and installation of such systems. Today there are many such proposals. The cost of the unit and installation is about 40 thousand rubles.

But you can assemble such a system yourself - there is nothing complicated in it. It consists of several simple elements connected into one whole:

Plants for electrolysis of water.
Storage tank.
Moisture trap from gas.
Electronic control unit (current modulator).

Below is a diagram by which you can easily assemble a hydrogen generator with your own hands. Blueprints main plant that produces Brown's gas are quite simple and understandable.

The scheme does not represent any engineering complexity; anyone who knows how to work with a tool can repeat it. For vehicles with a fuel injection system, it is also necessary to install a controller that regulates the level of gas supply to fuel mixture and linked to the vehicle's on-board computer.

Reactor

The amount of Brown's gas obtained depends on the area of the electrodes and their material. If copper or iron plates are taken as electrodes, then the reactor will not be able to work for a long time due to the rapid destruction of the plates.

The use of titanium sheets looks ideal. However, their use increases the cost of assembling the unit several times. The use of high-alloy stainless steel plates is considered optimal. This metal is available, it will not be difficult to acquire it. You can also use your spent tank from the washing machine. The difficulty will be only cutting the plates of the desired size.

Installation types

To date, a hydrogen generator for a car can be equipped with three electrolyzers that are different in type, nature of work and performance:

The first type of construction is quite sufficient for the set carburetor engines. There is no need to install a complex electronic circuit of the gas productivity regulator, and the assembly of such an electrolyser itself is not difficult.

For more powerful cars the assembly of the second type of reactor is preferred. And for engines running on diesel fuel, and heavy vehicles use the third type of reactor.

Required performance

In order to really save fuel, a hydrogen generator for a car must produce gas every minute at the rate of 1 liter per 1000 engine displacement. Based on these requirements, the number of plates for the reactor is selected.

To increase the surface of the electrodes, it is necessary to process the surface with sandpaper in a perpendicular direction. This treatment is extremely important - it will increase the working area and avoid "sticking" of gas bubbles to the surface.

The latter leads to the isolation of the electrode from the liquid and prevents normal electrolysis. Do not forget that for the normal operation of the electrolyzer, the water must be alkaline. Ordinary soda can serve as a catalyst.

current regulator

The hydrogen generator on the car in the process of work increases its productivity. This is due to the release of heat during the electrolysis reaction. The working fluid of the reactor is heated, and the process proceeds much more intensively. A current regulator is used to control the course of the reaction.

If you do not lower it, the water may simply boil, and the reactor will stop producing Brown's gas. A special controller that regulates the operation of the reactor allows you to change the performance with increasing speed.

Carburetor models are equipped with a controller with a conventional switch for two operating modes: "Route" and "City".

Installation safety

Many craftsmen place the plates in plastic containers. Don't skimp on this. You need a stainless steel tank. If it is not available, you can use the design with plates open type. In the latter case, it is necessary to use a high-quality current and water insulator for reliable operation reactor.

It is known that the combustion temperature of hydrogen is 2800. This is the most explosive gas in nature. Brown's gas is nothing more than an "explosive" mixture of hydrogen. Therefore, hydrogen generators road transport require high-quality assembly of all components of the system and the availability of sensors to monitor the process.

The temperature sensor of the working fluid, pressure and ammeter will not be superfluous in the design of the installation. Particular attention should be paid to the water seal at the outlet of the reactor. It is vital. If the mixture ignites, such a valve will prevent the flame from spreading into the reactor.

Hydrogen generator for heating residential and industrial premises, operating on the same principles, differs by several times greater reactor productivity. In such installations, the absence of a water seal is a mortal danger. Hydrogen generators on cars are also recommended to be equipped with such a check valve in order to ensure safe and reliable operation of the system.

Until conventional fuel is indispensable

There are several experimental models in the world that run entirely on Brown's gas. However, technical solutions have not yet reached their perfection. Such systems are not available to ordinary inhabitants of the planet. Therefore, while motorists have to be content with "handicraft" developments that make it possible to reduce fuel costs.

A little about trust and naivety

Some enterprising businessmen offer a hydrogen generator for cars for sale. They talk about laser treatment of the surface of electrodes or about the unique secret alloys from which they are made, special water catalysts developed in scientific laboratories around the world.

It all depends on the ability of the thought of such entrepreneurs to fly scientific fantasy. Credulity can make you at your own expense (sometimes not even small ones) the owner of an installation whose contact plates will collapse after two months of operation.

If you have already decided to save money in this way, then it is better to assemble the installation yourself. At least there will be no one to blame later.

From TV screens we are told that the amount of oil is rapidly decreasing, and soon gasoline cars will become a thing of the distant past. That's just not entirely true.

Indeed, the number of proven oil reserves is not very large. Depending on the degree of consumption, they can last for a period of 50 to 200 years. But these statistics do not take into account hitherto unexplored oil production sites.

In fact, there is more than enough oil on our planet. Another question is that the complexity of its extraction is constantly increasing, which means that the price is also growing. In addition, the environmental factor cannot be discounted. Traffic fumes pollute the environment and something needs to be done about it.

modern science created many alternative energy sources up to the engine of nuclear fission in your machines. But most of these technologies are still concepts without the possibility of real application. At least that was the case until recently.

Every year, engineering companies produce more and more machines powered by alternative sources nutrition. One of the most effective solutions in this context is a hydrogen engine from the Toyota brand. It allows you to completely forget about gasoline, making the car an environmentally friendly and cheap vehicle.

Hydrogen engines

Types of hydrogen engines and their description

Science is constantly evolving. New concepts come up every day. But only the best of them come true. Now there are only two types of hydrogen engines that can be cost-effective and productive.

The first type of hydrogen engine runs on fuel cells. Unfortunately, hydrogen engines of this type still have a high cost. The fact is that the design contains expensive materials like platinum.

The second type includes hydrogen internal combustion engines. The principle of operation of such devices is very similar to propane models. That is why they are often reconfigured to work under hydrogen. Unfortunately, the efficiency of such devices is an order of magnitude lower than those that operate on fuel cells.

At the moment, it is hard to say which of the two technologies for creating hydrogen engines will win. Each has its pros and cons. In any case, work in this direction does not stop. Therefore, it is quite possible that by 2030 a car with a hydrogen engine can be bought at any car dealership.

Principle of operation

The hydrogen engine works on the principle of electrolysis. This process occurs in water under the influence of a special catalyst. As a result, hydrogen is released. Its chemical formula is as follows - HHO. The gas is not explosive.

Important! Inside special containers, the gas is mixed with the fuel-air mixture.

The generator includes an electrolyzer and a tank. The current modulator is responsible for the gas generation process. To ensure the best results, an optimizer is installed in injection hydrogen engines. This device is responsible for regulating the ratio of the fuel-air mixture and Brown's gas.

Characteristics of catalysts

The catalysts used to create the desired reaction in a hydrogen engine can be three types:

Cylindrical banks. This is the simplest design, operating on a rather primitive control system. The performance of a hydrogen engine operating with this catalyst does not exceed 0.7 liters of gas per minute. Such systems can be used on cars with a hydrogen engine up to one and a half liters. Increasing the number of cans allows you to exceed this limit.
Separate cells. It is believed that this type of catalyst is the most efficient. The performance of the system is more than two liters of gas per minute, the efficiency is maximum.
Open plates or dry catalyst. This system designed for long term work. Productivity fluctuates in the range from one to two liters of gas a minute. The open position provides the most efficient cooling.

The efficiency of hydrogen engines is growing every year. Hybrid devices operating on hydrogen and gasoline are now beginning to be put into operation. In turn, designers do not stop looking for the most efficient catalyst model that provides even greater performance.

DIY hydrogen engine

Generator

To create an efficient hydrogen engine for a car with your own hands, you need to start with a generator. The simplest homemade generator is a sealed container with liquid into which the electrodes are immersed. For such a device, a 12 V power supply is sufficient.

The fitting is installed on the cover of the structure. It removes a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. Actually, this is the basis of the generator for the hydrogen engine, which is connected to the internal combustion engine.

To create a complete system, you will also need an additional drive and battery. It is best to use a water filter as a housing, or you can buy special installation. In the latter, cylindrical electrodes of increased productivity are used.

As you can see, isolating the right gas for the reaction is not so difficult. It is much more difficult to produce it in the amount needed for a hydrogen engine. To increase the efficiency it is necessary to use copper electrodes. In extreme cases, stainless steel is also suitable.

During the reaction, the current must be supplied with different strength. Therefore, without an electronic unit can not do. In addition, there must always be a certain amount of water in the tank so that the reaction takes place under normal conditions. The automatic feeding system in the hydrogen engine solves this problem. The intensity of the electrolysis provides a sufficient amount of salt.

Important! If the water is distilled, there will be no electrolysis at all.

To make water for a hydrogen engine, you need to take 10 liters of liquid and add a tablespoon of hydroxide.

Hydrogen engine device

First of all, you need to take care of additional tanks and pipelines. The hydrogen engine needs a water level sensor, which is installed in the middle of the cover. This will prevent false triggering when moving up and down. It is he who will give the command to the automatic recharge system when needed.

The pressure sensor plays a special role. It turns on at 40 psi. As soon as the internal pressure reaches 45 psi, the pumping is turned off. Above 50 psi the fuse will trip.

The hydrogen engine fuse must consist of two parts: a valve emergency reset and burst disk. The rupture disk will activate when the pressure reaches 60 psi without causing any harm to the system.

To remove heat, you need to use the coldest candle. Candles with platinum tips are not suitable. Platinum is an excellent catalyst for the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen.

Important! Take Special attention creation of crankcase ventilation for a hydrogen engine.

Electrical part

Important role V wiring diagram the hydrogen engine is played by a 555 timer. It acts as a pulse generator. Moreover, it can be used to adjust the frequency and pulse width.

Important! The timer has three frequency ranges. The resistance of the resistors is within 100 ohms. The connection takes place in parallel.

The hydrogen engine board must have two 555 pulse timers. The first one must have capacitors larger capacity. The output from leg 3 goes to the second generator. He actually turns it on.

The third output of the second timer of the pulsed hydrogen generator is connected to 220 and 820 ohm resistors. The transistor amplifies the current to the desired value. The diode 1N4007 is responsible for its protection. This provides normal work the entire system.

Results

Now the hydrogen engine is no longer a figment of the imagination of scientists, but a very real development that you can do yourself. Of course, in terms of characteristics, such a unit will be inferior to the factory model. But the savings for the internal combustion engine will still be noticeable.

Hydrogen engines not only help reduce gasoline consumption, but are also completely environmentally friendly. That is why, in the first quarter, sales of Toyota's hydrogen car broke all records in Japan.

The modern automotive industry is developing with an emphasis on the production of more environmentally friendly vehicles. This is due to the worldwide struggle for the purity of atmospheric air by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The constant rise in gasoline prices is also forcing manufacturers to look for other sources of energy. Many leading auto-building concerns are gradually moving to mass production of cars running on alternative fuels, which in the very near future will lead to the appearance on the roads of the world enough not only electric cars, but also cars with engines powered by hydrogen fuel.

How hydrogen cars work

A hydrogen-powered car is designed to reduce atmospheric emissions of carbon dioxide, as well as other harmful impurities. The use of hydrogen to propel a wheeled vehicle is possible in two different ways:

the use of a hydrogen internal combustion engine (VDVS);
power plant electrical unit operating from hydrogen elements (HE).

While we used to fill our car with gasoline or diesel fuel, the new miracle is powered by the most abundant element in the universe - hydrogen.

VVS is an analogue of the engines widely used today, the fuel for which is propane. It is this model of the engine that is easiest to reconfigure to work on hydrogen. The principle of its operation is the same as that of a gasoline engine, only liquefied hydrogen enters the combustion chamber instead of gasoline. A car with renewable energy is, in fact, an electric car. Hydrogen here is only a raw material for generating electricity needed to power an electric motor.

The hydrogen element consists of the following parts:

corps;
a membrane that allows only protons to pass through - it divides the capacity into two parts: anode and cathode;
an anode coated with a catalyst (palladium or platinum);
cathode with the same catalyst.

The principle of operation of VE is based on a physicochemical reaction, consisting of the following:

Thus, when the car is moving, no carbon dioxide is emitted, but only water vapor, electricity and nitric oxide.

Key Features of Hydrogen Cars

The main players in the automotive market already have prototypes of their products using hydrogen as fuel. You can definitely highlight the individual technical characteristics of such machines:

maximum developed speed up to 140 km/h;
the average mileage from one refueling is 300 km (some manufacturers, for example, Toyota or Honda, declare twice the figure - 650 or 700 km, respectively, on hydrogen alone);
acceleration time to 100 km / h from zero - 9 seconds;
power plant power up to 153 horsepower.

This car can accelerate to 179 km / h, and up to 100 km / h the car accelerates in 9.6 seconds and, most importantly, it is able to travel 482 km without additional refueling

Quite good parameters even for gasoline engines. There has not yet been a shift towards the VDVS using liquefied H2 or renewable energy vehicles, and it is not clear which of these types of engines will achieve the best technical characteristics and economic indicators. But today, more models of machines with an electric drive, powered by renewable energy, have been produced, which give greater efficiency. Although the consumption of hydrogen to obtain 1 kW of energy is less in the VDVS.

In addition, re-equipment of internal combustion engines for hydrogen in order to increase efficiency requires a change in the ignition system of the installation. The problem of rapid burnout of pistons and valves due to the higher temperature of hydrogen combustion has not been solved yet. Everything will be decided here further development both technologies, as well as price dynamics during the transition to mass production.

Pros and cons of cars running on hydrogen

Among the main advantages of hydrogen vehicles are:

high environmental friendliness, consisting in the absence of most harmful substances in the exhaust typical for the operation of a gasoline engine - carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, sulfur oxide and dioxide, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons;
more high efficiency, compared to gasoline cars;

In general, the car has ambitions to conquer the whole world.

less noise from the engine;
lack of complex, unreliable fuel supply and cooling systems;
the possibility of using two types of fuel.

In addition, air-powered vehicles have less weight and more useful volume, despite the need to install fuel tanks.

The disadvantages of hydrogen cars include:

the bulkiness of the power plant when using fuel cells, which reduces the maneuverability of the car;
the high cost of the hydrogen elements themselves due to the palladium or platinum they contain;
imperfection of the design and uncertainty in the material for the manufacture of tanks for hydrogen fuel;
lack of hydrogen storage technology;
lack of hydrogen filling stations, the infrastructure of which is very poorly developed throughout the world.

However, with the transition to the mass production of cars equipped with hydrogen power plants, most of these shortcomings will most likely be eliminated.

Which hydrogen-powered vehicles are already in production

The world's leading automotive companies such as BMW, Mazda, Mercedes, Honda, MAN and Toyota, Daimler AG and General Motors. Among the experimental models, and some manufacturers already have small-scale ones, there are cars that operate only on hydrogen, or with the possibility of using two types of fuel, the so-called hybrids.

Such models of hydrogen vehicles are already being produced, such as:

Ford Focus FCV;
Mazda RX-8 hydrogen;
Mercedes-Benz A-Class;
Honda FCX;
Toyota Mirai;
MAN Lion buses city bus and Ford E-450;
hybrid car for two types of fuel BMW Hydrogen 7.

Today we can definitely say that, despite the existing difficulties (the new always makes its way with difficulty), the future belongs to more green cars. Autocars running on hydrogen fuel will be worthy competition electric vehicles.

Today, almost all global automakers are actively developing vehicles that run on environmentally friendly fuels. Experts say that in 15-20 years the world will completely switch to this type of transport. While leadership in this business is retained by Toyota. After the release of the famous Primus, the Japanese decided to go further and develop another environmentally friendly clean car- Toyota Mirai with a hydrogen engine. In today's article, we will consider all the features of this new product, as well as list all the advantages and disadvantages of using hydrogen machines.

Characteristic

Toyota Mirai is one of the first sedans Japanese made, which the company decided to mass-produce. By the way, the decision to call this model Mirai was quite justified, because in Japanese this word means “Clean Future”.

The manufacturer claims that the first serial hydrogen Toyota will differ from its counterparts in a large power reserve, which will be 480 kilometers. This is quite enough for everyday use in the city, and for family trips over long distances. But as for long trips, it will not be possible to make them on such a car. And here the question is not about the reliability of the design (as always, the Japanese made the car with high quality and “for centuries”), but about the lack of the necessary gas stations. But we will talk about this a little later.

It is worth noting that the Mirai is not the world's first hydrogen-powered car. Toyota is developing hybrid models cars since 1997. It was then that the world public saw a hydrogen-powered concept SUV of the FCHV model. However, the Japanese did not dare to launch it into large-scale mass production. More often this jeep could be found in government agencies and organizations that tested this type of transport. By the way, combines BMW and Toyota. The Germans signed a contract with Japanese engineers and by 2020 they plan to create a new environmentally friendly bmw sedan Hydrogen 7 series.

Pros of a hydrogen car

Let's start with the benefits. To begin with, a hydrogen-powered engine does not emit any pollutants, unlike diesel and gasoline. It is worth noting the low cost of operating this type of transport. The fuel itself (hydrogen) can be produced on both small and large scales. This will significantly stabilize the situation with constantly changing fuel prices and distribute it more rationally in the world.

What are the disadvantages of a hydrogen fuel engine?

Now let's talk about the disadvantages. The main disadvantage of this type of transport is that the hydrogen engine (including Toyota FCV) is more explosive than classic diesel and gasoline counterparts. This is due to the special chemical composition of hydrogen. By the way, in addition to explosiveness, it is highly volatile. This characteristic greatly complicates the transportation and refueling of vehicles with hydrogen. Experts also say that the maintenance of such an installation will be more expensive than, for example, the repair of a diesel engine (due to the small number of workers who know a lot about this area). And, of course, the lack of hydrogen filling stations. There are only a few of them in the world, therefore it is very difficult to use such cars now (especially since such a car can be refueled only with the help of special equipment).

Supply issues

Main problem hydrogen cars- the lack of gas stations where they could be filled. That is why electric cars are more relevant to the world, as they are charged from an ordinary outlet and even on the go, if there is a solar panel on the roof. But production hydrogen stations is already gaining momentum. It is already known about plans to build 20 such gas stations in California. If sales continue to grow, the number of gas stations will double. By the way, this state was chosen for a reason - it is in California that sales of hydrogen-powered Toyotas will begin. But we'll talk about sales at the end of the article, but for now let's look at the exterior of the novelty.

Design

The appearance of the new Toyota Mirai is very impressive. A massive aggressive “front end” with a harsh wide bumper and slanting headlights immediately catches your eye. The radiator grill is perhaps the smallest and most insignificant element in the exterior.

But even on such a small piece of plastic, the Japanese managed to place their signature emblem, made in a chrome style. The car has a good glass area. This is especially true for the windshield. The driver will not feel "dead zones", since all the events around are now visible at a glance. The body has both angular and smooth, aerodynamic features. All this makes appearance sedan is very fresh, modern and unique.

Interior

The inside of the car is like a part spaceship- a lot of buttons, screens, sensors and all sorts of other stuff. Interestingly, the Japanese did not dare to spend money on the development of two interior layout options - for the European and for the domestic market. They solved the problem with the rearrangement of the steering wheel very simply by placing all the important information devices in the middle of the torpedo.

The panel itself is placed close to the windshield and stretched across its entire width. Further from it is a massive on-board computer, which has a built-in navigator function. Below it, there is another display. And they are separated by two wide air ducts. The same ones are duplicated on the sides of the mirrors, only with a chrome trim in the corner. Steering wheel also equipped with remote control buttons. There is no gear knob in the cabin - most likely, a variator or automatic transmission is used. The speakers are located in the doors, as are the power window controls. The steering wheel has a comfortable grip. In general, the layout of the cabin is very ergonomic. And even despite the mass of buttons (especially since half of them are touch-sensitive), it is not overloaded with unnecessary elements and seems ascetic to some extent.

Specifications

Toyota has released a car with a hydrogen engine that has large stock power. Power point, according to the manufacturers, will have 153 horsepower, which is quite enough for a car of this class. The Japanese do not talk about other engines, and, most likely, only one modification of the novelty with a 153-horsepower environmentally friendly unit will enter the market. The hydrogen engine (2015 Toyota Mirai) runs on special fuel cells. Inside the latter, a reaction takes place in which hydrogen and oxygen take part. As a result of chemical interaction, powerful energy is generated that feeds the electric motor.

Dynamics and operating costs

The manufacturer says that dynamic characteristics The hydrogen-powered Toyota is no different from its gasoline counterparts. Acceleration from zero to "hundreds" is estimated at 9 seconds. At the same time, engineers note the low cost of travel.

The price of refueling a tank for 1 kilometer will be only 10 cents. Thus, to drive a car a hundred kilometers, you need to spend only 10 dollars. And you can fill up your car in just 5 minutes.

How does a hydrogen engine work?

Surely each of us thought about the principle of operation of this unit. Well, let's take a look at how a hydrogen engine actually works.

The main driving force of these machines is an electrochemical generator (a certain Japanese name is FC Stack. A reaction occurs inside the electrochemical generator, as a result of which hydrogen is oxidized. It is during this period that the necessary energy is generated, which is then redirected to a compact battery. The latter performs the function of powering the electric motor , which drives the car.In what form does a hydrogen engine produce waste?Toyota Mirai is called an environmentally friendly car for a reason, since it does not come from at all poisonous gases, but ordinary water.

All this is very good, but there is a force hindering the development of this type of transport. The main problem is that the processes for manufacturing fuel for hydrogen cars are currently underdeveloped and require large financial costs. Moreover, when creating hydrogen, components such as coal and methane are involved. They pollute the atmosphere very much, and therefore there is no point in using such engines for the sake of "preserving the environment". Of course, there is no waste from the combustion of this fuel ( pure water), but to cook it, you need to significantly spoil the atmosphere with dirty emissions. Therefore, more and more specialists are looking for a replacement for the current internal combustion engine in solar panels.

Incidentally, hydrogen is not a unique type of fuel that can only be used in one type of engine. Studies have shown that this product is quite realistic to use on classic motors with internal combustion. However, after such a reaction, there are consequences. The fact is that hydrogen, when burned in an internal combustion engine, releases only 1/3 of the energy that it would produce in a specialized unit. True, the engineers managed to correct this shortcoming. Thanks to the modified ignition system, the efficiency of such engines does not decrease, but, on the contrary, increases by almost 1.5 times from the usual one, which makes the operation of this fuel more favorable and reasonable from an environmental and financial point of view.

But still, troubles were noticed not only in the field of efficiency. And if the engineers managed to increase the efficiency by improving the ignition system, then with such problems as heat combustion in the chamber, burnout of pistons and valves, they are unable to cope. By the way, at long work hydrogen is able to react with other components of the motor, including lubricant. And without it, the engine wears out very quickly. In addition, hydrogen, due to its volatility, can penetrate into and ignite there. As for rotary internal combustion engines, due to their simple design and large distance between the collectors, they are more favorable for using such fuel as the main one. On this question, how the hydrogen engine works, can be considered closed.

About cost

According to the manufacturer, the start of sales of Toyota Mirai cars will take place in the spring of 2015. At first, the novelty will be available only in the domestic market, and in the summer it will appear on the European and American markets. The starting price of a hydrogen-powered Toyota is $57,500. In addition, the company offers to purchase this car on credit with a monthly payment of 500 US dollars. The bonus will be the opportunity free refueling car for a year at gas stations in California.

So far, the Japanese Toyota has no competitors among hydrogen cars. At least that will be the case until 2016. The fact is that in March 2016 a new hydrogen Honda car FCV. But we won’t predict how popular it will be, but for now we’ll wait for the start of sales of the new Toyota Mirai.

Conclusion

So, we found out why it is so special and how the hydrogen engine works. Toyota is one of the first automakers to seriously consider launching mass production its "environmentally friendly product". True, until the problem is solved with filling stations and in a cheaper way, the company is unlikely to have great success in the sale of such machines.