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When bioethanol produced from crops and wood material is burned, the CO2 released is balanced by the CO2 captured by plants through photosynthesis; therefore, when the total life cycle is considered, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere does not increase. Bioethanol can thus be considered a carbon-neutral fuel. However, since conventional bioethanol is produced from edible crops such as sugarcane and corn, the need to balance the demand for fuel with that for food can create difficulties in securing a stable supply. Increased production of bioethanol also poses the problem of potentially forcing up crop prices, thereby reducing the viability of the energy source. To solve this problem, the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE) and Honda have developed a technology to produce ethanol from cellulose and hemicellulose, both found in soft-biomass. This includes inedible leaves and stalks of plants such as rice straw, which until now could not be readily converted to ethanol. The new RITE-Honda process substantially reduces the negative influence of fermentation inhibitors through the utilization of the RITE strain—a microorganism developed by RITE that converts sugar into alcohol—and the application of Honda technology that enables a significant increase in alcohol conversion efficiency compared to conventional cellulosic
bioethanol production processes.
With a view to eventual commercial production, Honda has established a test plant at its Wako Fundamental Research Center to continue examining the market appeal and economic viability of this new bioethanol technology. |
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In 2008 Honda will begin limited marketing in Japan and the US of a next-generation fuel cell vehicle based on the FCX Concept. Featuring significant gains in both environmental and driving performance, the FCX Concept is equipped with a V Flow fuel cell platform consisting of a compact, high-efficiency fuel cell stack arranged in an innovative center-tunnel layout. This has allowed designers to create an elegant, low-riding sedan form that would have been difficult to achieve in a conventional fuel cell vehicle.
Whereas with previous fuel cell stacks the hydrogen and water formed in electricity generation flowed horizontally, the new FCX Concept features vertical-flow design. This allows gravity to assist in water management, resulting in a major improvement in water drainage, the key to high-efficiency fuel cell stack performance. The result is stable power generation under a broad range of conditions, and higher output from a smaller package. Low-temperature startup has also been significantly improved, enabling cold-weather starts at temperatures 10°C (18°F) lower than the current FCX—as low as -30°C (-22°F). Efficiency improvements to major power plant components give the vehicle a range approximately 30% greater than the current FCX. The vehicle is also highly efficient, with an energy efficiency of about 60%—approximately three times that of a gasoline vehicle, twice that of a hybrid, and 10% better than the current FCX. The seats and door linings are made of a durable new Honda-developed bio-fabric that is resistant to sunlight. |
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| The compact, high-efficiency Honda FC Stack |
Seat made of new Honda bio-fabric |
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| FCX Concept featuring V Flow fuel cell platform |
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