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PEM fuel cells are the center of an integrated propulsion system-one that is radically different from conventional vehicle systems. The diagram below shows the basic components of a hydrogen-fueled FCV. Roll your mouse over each of the components in the diagram below to learn more.
H2 Tank
For FCV's using pure hydrogen as a fuel, the hydrogen is generally stored as a gas in the high-pressure tanks, so that enough fuel can be stored to give the vehicle a suitable driving range. In most current FCV's the fuel tank is capable of storing hydrogen at 5,000lbs/in2, although higher pressure tankes are currently under development.
Fuel Cell Stack
The Fuel Cell Stak uses hydrogen gas and air to produce electricity to power the electric motor. This stack typically consists of over 400 individual fuel cells.
Battery
Some FCV's employ a battery to store electricity produced from regenerative braking or from the fuel cell stack. The stored electricity can be uses to help power the electric motor or other electicial devices.
PCU
The Power Controller Unit (PCU) contains sophisticated electrons that manage the production and storage of electricity.
Electric Motor
An FCV can be powered by one or several electric motors, some use a separate electric motor for each wheel. These motors produce enough power to propel FCV's at speeds comparable to those of conventional vehicles.
Ford FCV
FCVs like the one above use pure hydrogen as fuel, stored onboard the vehicle in highly pressurized tanks. Other FCVs are designed to use a liquid fuel such as gasoline or methanol, which is stored in a conventional, non-pressurized tank. FCVs using these fuels also need a reformer-a fuel processor that breaks down the fuel into hydrogen for the fuel cell, carbon dioxide, and water. Although this process generates carbon dioxide, it produces much less than the amount generated by gasoline-powered vehicles.
Fuel cell vehicles can also be equipped with regenerative braking systems that capture the energy usually lost during braking and store it in an up-sized battery.
Dept. of Energy