What is the tank material of Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai, a groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, has been designed with advanced technology to ensure safety, efficiency, and durability. One of the most critical components of this vehicle is its hydrogen storage tank. In this article, we’ll explore the material used for the tank and why it’s essential for the Mirai’s performance and safety.
The Material of the Toyota Mirai's Hydrogen Tank
The Toyota Mirai’s hydrogen tank is made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). This material is chosen for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, which is crucial for safely storing hydrogen gas under high pressure while keeping the vehicle lightweight and efficient.
Why Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic?
Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic is an ideal choice for hydrogen storage tanks due to several reasons:
- High Strength: CFRP can withstand the extreme pressures required to store hydrogen gas, which is typically compressed to around 700 bar (10,000 psi).
- Lightweight: Despite its strength, CFRP is much lighter than traditional materials like steel, helping to improve the vehicle's overall efficiency and range.
- Durability: The material is resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring the tank remains safe and functional over the vehicle's lifespan.
- Safety: In the event of an accident, CFRP is designed to prevent catastrophic failure, ensuring the hydrogen remains securely contained.
How the Tank is Constructed
The hydrogen tank in the Toyota Mirai is constructed using a multi-layered approach:
- Inner Liner: A gas-tight liner made from plastic prevents hydrogen from escaping.
- Carbon Fiber Layer: The CFRP layer provides the structural strength needed to withstand high pressures.
- Protective Outer Layer: An additional layer protects the tank from external impacts and environmental factors.
Conclusion
The Toyota Mirai’s hydrogen tank, made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, is a testament to the innovative engineering behind hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. By combining safety, durability, and efficiency, this material ensures that the Mirai remains a leader in the push toward sustainable transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What material is hydrogen tank?
Typically, the inner vessel material used is 304 SS and the outer vessel is a combination of 304 SS and carbon steel depending on location. 316 SS or 316L material can be used, but due to higher cost and lower strength, are typically only used for higher purity systems.
What are the disadvantages of the Toyota Mirai?
Disappointing Cargo Capacity. The Toyota Mirai needs more cargo and personal item storage, which could be a significant downside for those who need ample space. The trunk offers a limited capacity of just 9.6 cubic feet, which is relatively small for a car of its size.
What are the fuel tanks made of in Toyota Mirai?
carbon fiber-reinforced plastic
The Mirai has two hydrogen tanks with a three-layer structure made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic consisting of nylon 6 from Ube Industries and other materials. The tanks are 122 litres (27 imp gal; 32 US gal) combined, and store hydrogen at 70 MPa (10,000 psi).
Is hydrogen car tank safe?
The whole tank is lined with plastic to seal in the hydrogen. As mentioned above, the tanks have been subjected to extremely severe testing. They are designed to withstand up to 225% of their operating pressure, which is clearly a very comfortable safety margin.
What happens if a hydrogen tank explodes?
A boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) occurs when the liquid hydrogen tank is heated and explodes [5]. An explosion rapidly emits energy and is accompanied by blast waves, fragments, debris, heat fluxes, noise, etc.
Does hydrogen leak out of tanks?
Ensuring there are no leaks in the tank is of critical importance. Because the hydrogen is stored at high pressure it will leak out of the tank and can be detected with an ambient H2 monitor.
Is there a downside to hydrogen cars?
More energy- and labor-intensive to store and transport hydrogen than gasoline or diesel fuel. Fuel cells are expensive to replace. Safety concerns over hydrogen flammability and electrical shock. Maintenance costs remain unclear.
What type of fuel cell is in the Toyota Mirai?
Toyota Mirai technical specifications vs FCHV-adv
| FUEL CELL STACK | TOYOTA MIRAI |
|---|---|
| Type | Polymer electrolyte fuel cell |
| Humidification system | Internal circulation |
| Max. output (bhp/kW) | 153/114 |
| Volume-power density (kW/l) | 3.1 |
Does the Toyota Mirai use liquid hydrogen?
At the core of Mirai, hydrogen from the fuel tank and air entering from the intake grille meet in the Fuel Cell Stack. There, a chemical reaction involving the oxygen in the air and hydrogen creates electricity—powering Mirai. In the end, the only by-product is water.
How long does a tank of hydrogen last on a Toyota Mirai?
The carbon fibre-reinforced plastic tanks store the hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bar. The MIRAI is powered by a 114 kW/155 PS* electric motor. Its high-performance fuel cell is backed with a battery that also stores the braking energy. With a tank capacity of five kilos, the MIRAI achieves a range of 500 km.
