What type of fuel cell is in the Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai is a groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) that represents a significant step forward in sustainable automotive technology. As a hydrogen-powered car, it uses a specific type of fuel cell to convert hydrogen into electricity, powering its electric motor. In this article, we’ll explore the type of fuel cell used in the Toyota Mirai and how it works.
Understanding the Toyota Mirai's Fuel Cell Technology
The Toyota Mirai is equipped with a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). This type of fuel cell is widely used in automotive applications due to its efficiency, compact size, and ability to operate at relatively low temperatures. The PEMFC in the Mirai is designed to deliver high performance while maintaining environmental sustainability.
How Does the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Work?
The Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell operates by converting hydrogen gas into electricity through an electrochemical process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:
- Hydrogen Supply: Hydrogen gas is stored in high-pressure tanks within the vehicle. The Mirai’s tanks are designed to safely store hydrogen at pressures up to 700 bar.
- Electrochemical Reaction: Hydrogen is fed into the anode side of the fuel cell, where it is split into protons and electrons. This process is facilitated by a catalyst, typically made of platinum.
- Electricity Generation: The protons pass through the proton exchange membrane to the cathode side, while the electrons are forced to travel through an external circuit, generating electricity to power the electric motor.
- Oxygen Intake: Oxygen from the air is introduced to the cathode side of the fuel cell.
- Water Formation: At the cathode, the protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to form water, which is the only byproduct of the process.
This process is highly efficient and produces zero harmful emissions, making the Toyota Mirai an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Advantages of the Toyota Mirai's Fuel Cell
The Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell offers several advantages that make it ideal for the Toyota Mirai:
- Zero Emissions: The only byproduct of the fuel cell is water vapor, ensuring no harmful pollutants are released into the environment.
- Quick Refueling: Hydrogen refueling takes only a few minutes, similar to refueling a gasoline-powered car.
- High Efficiency: PEMFCs are highly efficient at converting hydrogen into electricity, providing excellent energy output for the vehicle.
- Quiet Operation: The fuel cell system operates silently, contributing to a smooth and quiet driving experience.
These advantages highlight why the Toyota Mirai is a leader in the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle market and a key player in the transition to sustainable transportation.
Conclusion
The Toyota Mirai’s Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell is a marvel of modern engineering, offering a clean, efficient, and sustainable alternative to traditional automotive powertrains. By utilizing hydrogen as a fuel source, the Mirai not only reduces environmental impact but also paves the way for a future of zero-emission vehicles. As hydrogen infrastructure continues to expand, the Mirai and similar vehicles are poised to play a significant role in the automotive industry’s shift toward greener technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fuel cell is a hydrogen fuel cell?
PEM hydrogen fuel cell
For example, polymer electrolyte membrane, also referred to as proton exchange membrane, (PEM) fuel cells use a solid polymer as an electrolyte and porous carbon electrodes containing a platinum or platinum alloy catalyst.
What are the disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cells?
What Are the Disadvantages of Hydrogen Fuel Cells?
- Hydrogen production is energy intensive.
- Catalyst materials are rare and expensive.
- Hydrogen storage is prone to leaks.
- There is a lack of infrastructure for long-range transport.
- It is highly flammable.
What materials are used in the Toyota Mirai fuel cell?
Toray's carbon fiber materials used in MIRAI are (1) carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) developed for automobile structural parts, (2) carbon paper for electrode substrate of fuel cell stack and (3) high strength carbon fiber for high pressure hydrogen tank.
What type of hydrogen tank does the Toyota Mirai have?
| FC stack | Name | Toyota FC Stack |
|---|---|---|
| High-pressure hydrogen tank | Nominal working pressure | 70 MPa (approx. 700 bar) |
| Tank storage density | 5.7 wt% | |
| Tank internal volume | 122.4 litres (front tank: 60.0 litres; rear tank: 62.4 litres) | |
| Type | AC synchronous electric generator |
Can you put regular gas in a Toyota Mirai?
The Mirai is a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle that must be fueled at hydrogen stations conforming to the latest Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) hydrogen fueling interface protocol standards or laws that may supersede such SAE standards.
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.
What is the difference between a fuel cell and a hydrogen fuel cell?
Fuel cells have lower or zero emissions compared to combustion engines. Hydrogen fuel cells emit only water, addressing critical climate challenges as there are no carbon dioxide emissions. There also are no air pollutants that create smog and cause health problems at the point of operation.
Is hydrogen cheaper than gasoline?
Fueling Costs
While the current price of hydrogen is higher than gasoline, fuel cells are approximately 2.5 times more efficient than gasoline engines. An added bonus is that most fuel cell car manufacturers include three years' worth of free fuel with a vehicle.
What fuel cell does Toyota Mirai use?
The Mirai uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which features both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology, and includes proprietary Toyota-developed components including the fuel cell (FC) stack, FC boost converter, and high-pressure hydrogen tanks.
What type of fuel cell is Toyota Mirai?
hydrogen-powered fuel cell
The Mirai is a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle that must be fueled at hydrogen stations conforming to the latest Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) hydrogen fueling interface protocol standards or laws that may supersede such SAE standards.
