TUCSON FUEL CELL
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FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE COMPONENTS
Electrical power in the Tucson Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle is generated by the
fuel cell stack and by the regenerative braking system. Energy is stored in
the high voltage battery.
The electrical power generated by the fuel cell stack flows to the high voltage
junction box and then to a DC/AC power inverter. AC current is then used to
drive the traction motor which drives the vehicle.
During normal driving, the fuel cell supplies electrical power to the traction
motor. Some electrical power is supplied back to the high voltage battery
system.
When additional power is needed, such as during acceleration or driving
uphill, both the fuel cell and the high voltage battery supply electrical power
to the traction motor.
During braking or downhill driving, the rotational energy of the traction motor
is converted to electrical energy. This is called regenerative braking mode.
The electrical energy is used to charge the high voltage battery and the 12V
auxiliary battery.
WARNING
Warning labels are attached to high voltage components and cables in the
vehicle. Never touch any of these components or cables without Personal
Protection Equipment (PPE) like insulating gloves, safety glasses, etc.
Without proper protection, severe injury or death from electrocution may
occur.
The fuel cell power module in the engine compartment generates high
voltage that is distributed to the electric traction motor and to other
components. The high voltage battery system can be very dangerous. Never
touch the fuel cell power module without Personal Protection Equipment
(PPE) like insulating gloves, safety glasses, etc. Without proper protection,
severe injury or death from electrocution may occur.
A conventional 12V battery is located in the rear compartment on the driver
side of the vehicle (underneath the plastic cover). The auxiliary battery power
is used to initiate the fuel cell stack during startup (prior to “READY” mode).
The auxiliary battery is also used is used to supply power to the headlamps, the
audio system, and other low voltage electrical components in the vehicle.
12V Battery
The Tucson Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle has a high voltage battery module which is
connected to the fuel cell stack. Energy from the fuel cell stack and from the
regenerative braking system is stored in the high voltage battery module.
High voltage battery
The high voltage which is generated from the fuel cell stack and stored in the high
voltage battery system is distributed to various components through high voltage
cables. Most of the high voltage cables are routed near the bulkhead in the
engine room and underneath the vehicle. These high voltage cables are
sufficiently insulated and can easily be identified by their bright orange color.
Special precautions must be taken before handling the high voltage cables.
High Voltage Cables
The hydrogen storage system is comprised of two tanks which are filled with
hydrogen gas. Each tank is made of an aluminum liner wrapped in carbon fiber.
When the tanks are full the corresponding tank pressure is approximately 10,000
psi (700 bar, 70 MPa). A pressure regulator is used to reduce the pressure before
the hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell stack.
High pressure hydrogen storage tanks
A fuel cell is a device that converts the chemical energy from a fuel into
electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen. Fuel cells are different from
batteries in that they require a constant source of fuel and oxygen to run, but
they can produce electricity continually for as long as these inputs are supplied.
Hydrogen gas is the fuel source for the Tucson Fuel Cell vehicle.
Fuel Cell Stack
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Fuel Cell Stack
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Motor
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Hydrogen Tanks
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Battery System
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