Tokyo, October 10, 2003 --- Honda
Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the development of the
Honda FC Stack, a remarkably compact, next-generation fuel cell stack that delivers high
performance, yet operates at temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). It is the world's first fuel
stack to feature a stamped metal separator structure and newly developed electrolyte
membranes. The FCX equipped with the Honda FC Stack was certified September 24 by the
Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Honda will begin public testing of the vehicle's cold start and driving performance capabilities
to advance more widespread use of fuel cell vehicles. Honda FC Stack-equipped FCX will take
the role of a lead car in the 80th Tokyo-Hakone Ekiden relay race in January 2004.
Conventional fuel cell stacks have a complex structure in which carbon separators
are fastened together with bolts. The Honda FC Stack, however, has a simplified
structure composed of stamped metal separators, with rubber seals that are
attached in a unique molding process and enclosed by panels. This reduces
the number of components by almost 50% (compared to a conventional unit*1)
and more than doubles the output density*2, resulting
in world-leading high performance. Further, use of newly developed aromatic
electrolyte membranes greatly improves durability and allows for power generation
at temperatures ranging from -20°C(-4°F) to +95°C(+203°F)
--- a difficult achievement for stacks that employ conventional fluorine
electrolyte membranes. The driving range of the FCX with a Honda FC Stack
also has increased by 40 km*3, from 355 km to 395 km, while fuel economy
has improved by over 10%*4.
Honda began fuel cell technology research in the 1980s. Tests of Honda fuel cell stacks were
conducted under a range of driving conditions using the 1999 FCX-V2 and the 2001 FCX-V3.
Developed with a view to mass production and the ultimate need to recycle fuel cell vehicles,
this next generation Honda FC Stack significantly reduces the use of special materials and
offers excellent driving performance and low-temperature starts.
 |
 |
 |
Honda FC Stack |
|
FCX equipped with the Honda FC Stack |
Key Features of the Honda FC Stack
| 1. |
Compact, high output |
| |
• |
The number of components is reduced by almost 50% through use of
the world's first stamped metal separators and a panel-type structure,
while the output density is almost double that of a conventional fuel
cell stack. |
| 2. |
Low-temperature starts |
| |
• |
Ion conductivity at low temperatures is double that of a conventional
stack thanks to use of aromatic electrolyte membranes. |
| |
• |
Use of stamped metal separators improves conductivity. |
| |
• |
Thermal capacity is reduced because the unit is more compact. Warm-up
time is 20% that of a conventional stack. |
| 3. |
Durable even at high temperatures |
| |
• |
Power can be generated at up to +95°C(203°F). |
| 4. |
Next-generation fuel cell stack developed in consideration of mass production and recycling. |
| |
• |
Some special materials have been replaced by more readily-available materials. |
| *1 |
Honda fuel cell stack on the FCX-V3 |
| *2 |
output/volume, output/weight |
| *3 |
LA4 mode Honda in-house calculations |
| *4 |
Compared with an FCX equipped with a Ballard fuel cell stack |
Specifications of the Honda FC Stack-equipped FCX
|
Name
|
FCX
|
|
Number of occupants
|
4
|
|
Max. speed
|
150 km/h
|
|
Motor
|
Max. output
|
80kW (109PS)
|
|
Max. drive torque
|
272N·m (27.5 kg·m)
|
|
Type
|
AC synchronous electric motor
(manufactured by Honda)
|
|
Fuel cell stack
(2 units)
|
Type
|
PEMFC
(proton exchange membrane fuel cell, manufactured by Honda)
|
|
Output
|
86kW
|
|
Fuel
|
Type
|
Compressed hydrogen
|
|
Storage
|
High-pressure hydrogen tank (350 atmospheres)
|
|
Capacity
|
156.6 liters
|
|
Dimensions (L x W x H mm)
|
4165 x 1760 x 1645
|
|
Energy storage
|
Ultra Capacitor (manufactured by Honda)
|
|
Vehicle range (LA4 mode)
|
395 km
|
|
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October 10, 2003 