Hydrogen
Our system
Fuelcell
This part generates electricity from hydrogen for the vehicle.
AirFilter
This part keeps the fuel cell’s air clean for efficient performance.
Hummidifier
This part adds moisture to the air for optimal system performance
This part cools the air before it enters the engine for better performance
Intercooler
accumulator
This part stores energy for the system
Compressor
This part increases air pressure to power tools or machines.
DC-DC converter
This part converts and supplies voltage to components
motor controller
This part controls the motor’s power and speed
Cathode
Oxygen (from ambient air, via filter and compressor) meets the protons and returning electrons. Together, they form water (H₂O) as the sole emission.
cathode side
Anode side:
Hydrogen molecules (H₂) are introduced here. At the anode, the molecules are split into protons (H⁺) and electrons (e⁻) via a catalyst.
anode side
hydrogen tank
Stores hydrogen gas at high pressure for the fuel cell system.
Pressure regulator
Reduces and stabilizes hydrogen pressure before it enters the fuel cell.
Pressure meter
Displays the current hydrogen pressure inside the system.
Recirculation pump
Circulates unused hydrogen back to the fuel cell to improve efficiency.
Fuel cell
We use a PEM fuel cell which is a stack of 215 cells. Every cell enables a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. With this, we produce water, heat and electricity. Water is released at the exhaust and heat is released with a specific cooling system.
Hydrogen tank
Our hydrogen tank is made of CFRP Carbon fibre reinforced polymer, that contains hydrogen at 350 bar. A pressure regulator is attached to the tank to ensure the fuel cell receives hydrogen at a maximum pressure of 2.7 bar.
DCDC
The DCDC is the link between the system of a general FS team and our hydrogen system, connecting the stack output to the general powertrain. The DCDC does this by boosting the fuel cell voltage to level of the powertrain voltage. In order to do so, the DCDC is connected parallel onto the batteries.
Hydrogens potential
We apply hydrogen into the racing industry, as this the industry where innovation is born. However, hydrogen has much more potential in several other industries.
The potential of hydrogen is in its scaleability for distance. When it comes to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the volume and mass of batteries significantly increases as more energy storage is required to meet a bigger range and mass. On the other hand, the size and mass of a hydrogen system does not change significantly as this range grows. Thus, although a hydrogen system is relatively big for a passenger car, it remains about the same size for a transportation truck, as mainly the tank size changes.
On top of that, hydrogen has a very high energy density. Therefore, hydrogen can be stored in less space than a battery needs to produce the same amount of energy.
The image on the right illustrates the relation between vehicle mass and range of a battery-powered and a hydrogen-powered vehicle. As can be seen, with battery-powered vehicles the mass increases with increasing range, while the hydrogen-powered vehicles mass remains constant.
Disciplines
We are the only team in the Formula Student competition on hydrogen. All teams are there to learn. Building an EV or combustion Formula Student car brings a team knowledge about mechanics and electric techniques. However, building a hydrogen-powered Formula Student car offers much more to learn about. Working on a hydrogen system brings knowledge and experience about the following disciplines;
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Mechanical Engineering
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Fluid dynamics
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Design Simulations
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Electrical Engineering
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Chemical Engineering
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Process Design
To support other Formula Student teams make the switch to hydrogen, we want to help. Reach out to us and together, we can make transition work!
tijn Minks
Hydrogen Engineer
