Development of Prototype Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell Pick-Up Electric Vehicle

Abstract

Most of the automotive majors are working seriously to be the first to make commercially viable cars powered by the revolutionary fuel cell technology. The fuel cell (FC) will be as big a technological marvel as the internal combustion (IC) engine has been a century ago as compared to the heavy old external combustion steam engines. Automotive companies also know that fossil fuels are nearing to an end and that FC power train will be the propulsion system for future vehicles. REVA Electric Car Company (RECC) has developed the world's smallest fuel cell powered prototype vehicle. The electric car that is powered by a set of EV tubular lead acid batteries now has fuel cell energy constantly charging the batteries. Its 70 N-m high torque motor gives it quick acceleration and speed. The fuel cell system is powered by high-pressure hydrogen. The main components: fuel cell, high-pressure hydrogen tank etc. are modularized by integrating and completely placing over rear seats. This paper presents the development of prototype phosphoric acid fuel cell pick-up electric vehicle by RECC along with Naval Materials Research Lab (NMRL), Ambernath, District Thane, Maharashtra State, India. The phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) mounted at the rear of the vehicle obviates the need of carrying a hydrogen cylinder on board. The main components of the fuel cell; Methanol storage tank, pumps, reformer, fuel cell and electrical energy regulation and control system are modularized and integrated with the vehicle energy management system.