2011 Volume 53 Issue 163 Pages 22-28
Honda has developed a new fuel cell vehicle in order to respond to global warming and energy issues. The new vehicle, the FCX Clarity, displays enhancement in driving performance and fuel efficiency against previous FCX, and embodies a new appeal not available in a reciprocating engine vehicle. The key to the Clarity's development was the achievement of size and weight reductions and increased efficiency in the fuel cell powertrain. The FCX Clarity's fuel cell powertrain has Honda's proprietary V Flow FC stack at its core, and displays a weight power density 2 times higher and a volume power density 2.2 times higher than the powertrain of the previous FCX. In addition to increasing maximum power to 100 kW, the V Flow FC stack achieves a 50% increase in volume power density and 67% increase in weight power density against the previous FC stack. Startability at low temperatures has also increased, with the vehicle able to start at -30℃. The maximum power of the Clarity's drive motor has been increased to 100 kW. In combination with the provision of power assist using a lithium-ion battery, this has enabled the realization of a smooth, powerful and continuously extendable acceleration feel. The increased efficiency of the powertrain and superior energy management have resulted in the achievement of a 60% operating energy efficiency, and the vehicle displays a fuel economy 2.1 times higher than that of a compact gasoline vehicle, and 1.4 times higher than that of a compact hybrid vehicle.
