Automotive Guruz

According to environmental protection agency, Hybrid electric vehicles are known to be the most fuel-efficient automobiles. By combining internal ignition engine with electric drive system, it can significantly improve fuel economy. A hydrogen-fuelled hybrid vehicle, assembled on this basis, forms an ideal association to the future.

The hybrid vehicle customized by ECD Ovonics Inc. has a driving range of 200 miles. It requires about 8 minutes for refuelling. The company has installed a proprietary Ovonics solid hydrogen storage system, developed by Ovonics hydrogen systems LLC, in the hybrid vehicle. This vehicle will also improve the consumer understanding of hydrogen protection.

The major components of the Ovonics system are two light weight metal hydride fibre wrapped vessels with an internal volume of 66 litres that is able to store 3.5 kg of hydrogen. An integrated heat exchange system is also present. Heat is dispersed from the hydrogen storage tank during refuelling by connecting an off vehicle coolant supply system. The heat from the cooling system of the engine runs to the hydrogen storage tank to assist in release of hydrogen fuel. Some modifications were also made such as removing the original gasoline tank, fuel lines and catalytic converter. Placing the new hydrogen fuel storage system, where the gasoline tank was placed, installation of an exhaust air fuel ratio sensor and a computer that controls the new fuel injectors are few modifications. A turbo charger is also installed.

The establishment of Hybrid Cars with an Ovonics metal hydride hydrogen storage system reveals brilliant latent for meeting fuel cost and driving range targets. The ECD Ovonics began its efforts to perfect metal hydride technology several years ago. The company has formed a leading patent in this field.

There are several advantages of metal hydride systems in powering hydrogen fuelled vehicles over other classifications. Firstly, the storage density is higher than other high pressure gaseous systems. The technology used to store hydrogen within metal hydrides is refined several times with least amount of performance deprivation. The metal hydride system can be adapted for a variety of mobile tanks and also used for large range system for filling station storage.

Mazda has followed the hydrogen hybrid concept. It uses rotary engine, which will run on hydrogen just like BMW. There is also an electric motor that is powered by lithium-ion batteries, and it increases the power of hydrogen by 40 percent. In the hybrid of today, operating the electric motor in reverse turns it into a generator and revitalizes the batteries. Just like the Honda civic hybrids, Mazda system is almost the same; it means operating or running under electric power alone is quiet impossible.

Mazda is said to be following a green way of prevailing over the lower power production, associated with hydrogen. It also makes sure that no injurious emissions are produced from the exhaust.

A hydrogen hybrid bus was introduced, which used to carry people around during the winter Olympics in Vancouver. This bus does not release pollution. Using electric drive, it goes 30 miles. It has 400% better gas mileage than typical diesel buses.