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SEMINAR ON HY-WIRE TECHNOLOGY. INTRODUCTION. Cars are immensely complicated machines, but they do an incredibly simple job. Most of the complex stuff in a car is decided to turning wheel
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INTRODUCTION • Cars are immensely complicated machines, but they do an incredibly simple job. • Most of the complex stuff in a car is decided to turning wheel • The two basic elements that largely dictate car design today are 1. The internal combustion engine 2. Mechanical and hydraulic linkages
HY-WIRE BASICS • The defining characteristic of the Hy-wire is that it doesn’t have either of those two things: engine and mechanical and hydraulic linkages • Instead of an engine, it has a fuel cell stack • Instead of mechanical and hydraulic linkages, it has a drive by wire system
FUEL CELL –ON HY-WIRE • A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device that converts hydrogen and oxygen into water, producing electricity and heat in the process. • It provides a DC (direct current) voltage • It can continually recharge a fuel cell by adding chemical fuel- hydrogen for an onboard storage tank
Proton exchange membranefuel-cell • The type of fuel cell that is used in the Hy-wire car is the Proton exchange membrane fuel cell. • The four basic elements of a PEM fuel cell are:- • The anode, the negative post of the fuel cell • The cathode, the positive post of the fuel cell
Electrolyte • It is the proton exchange membrane . • It blocks electrons . • The catalyst • It is a special material that facilitates the reaction of oxygen and hydrogen. • It is usually made of platinum powder very thinly coated onto carbon paper or cloth. • It is rough and porous . • The platinum-coated side of the catalyst faces the PEM.
Chemistry of a Fuel Cell Anode side: 2H2 => 4H+ + 4e- Cathode side: O2 + 4H+ +4e- => 2H2O Net reaction: 2H2 + O2 => 2H2O
DRIVE BY WIRE TECHNOLOGY • The ‘brain’ of Hy-Wire is a central computer housed in the middle of the chassis. • It sends electronic signals to • The motor control unit to vary the speed. • The steering mechanism to maneuver the car. • The braking system to slow the car down . • It is connected to an array of advanced sensors. • The computer is connected to the body’s electronics through universal docking ports.
X-Drive • X-drive is the driver’s control unit . • It has two ergonomic groups , positioned to the left and right of a small LCD monitor. • The color monitor in the center of the controller displays speed, mileage, fuel level and the rear-view images from video cameras on the sides and back of the car, in place of conventional mirrors. • A second monitor, on a console beside the driver, shows you stereo, climate control and navigation information.
Fuel-Cell stack • It is made up of 200 individual cells connected in series. • It collectively provide 94 kilowatts of continuous power and 129 kilowatts at peak power. • It is kept cool by a conventional radiator system • It delivers DC voltage ranging from 125 to 200 volts
ADVANTAGES • 1. Fuel efficient - a fuel cell vehicle could provide twice the fuel efficiency of a comparably sized conventional vehicle • 2. Environment friendly - the only bi-product formed is water, which is a non-pollutant. • 3. High stability - a low center of gravity, gives the architecture both a high stability and superior handling .
4. Highly spacious - As there are no linkages and engine lot of legroom space is available for the passengers. • 5. Driver friendly – • X-Drive can be taken to anywhere inside the car • Gives the driver a clear view of the road and thus increases the drivability. • 6. Freedom of individual expression – • freedom of individual expression
DISADVANTAGES • 1. Low safety -An electrical failure would mean total loss of control. • 2. Storage and transportation of hydrogen fuels – production , transportation and storage of hydrogen for the on board fuel cell stack. • 3. Pricing - With the current status of development, manufacturing of the Hy-wire cars on a mass scale would not at all be economical.
FUTURE OF HY-WIRE • Fuel cells offer a promising alternative • They need to be compelling, affordable, and profitable. • The main challenge is in the field of storage of hydrogen
CONCLUSION • The Hy-wire concept has so profoundly brought about changes in the automotive industry • GM and other auto makers are planning to launch such a vehicle for the public usage by the year 2020.