What type of fuel cell is in the Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), utilizes a specific type of fuel cell technology known as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. This advanced fuel cell system is at the heart of the Mirai's innovative powertrain, providing a clean and efficient alternative to traditional internal combustion engines.
What is a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell?
A PEM fuel cell is a type of fuel cell that uses a proton exchange membrane, also known as a polymer electrolyte membrane, as the electrolyte. This membrane allows positively charged hydrogen ions (protons) to pass through it, while blocking the flow of electrons. The key components of a PEM fuel cell include:
- Anode: Where hydrogen gas is fed and oxidized, releasing electrons.
- Cathode: Where oxygen is fed and combined with the hydrogen ions and electrons to produce water.
- Proton Exchange Membrane: The electrolyte that allows only the positively charged hydrogen ions to pass through, while blocking the flow of electrons.
The electrochemical reaction within a PEM fuel cell generates electricity, which can then be used to power the electric motor in a vehicle like the Toyota Mirai.
Why is the PEM Fuel Cell Ideal for the Toyota Mirai?
The PEM fuel cell technology is well-suited for automotive applications, such as the Toyota Mirai, for several reasons:
- Compact and Lightweight: PEM fuel cells are relatively compact and lightweight compared to other fuel cell types, making them a good fit for vehicle integration.
- Low Operating Temperature: PEM fuel cells operate at relatively low temperatures, typically around 80°C (176°F), which allows for faster start-up times and improved efficiency.
- High Power Density: PEM fuel cells can provide high power output per unit of volume, making them well-suited for powering electric motors in vehicles.
- Durability: PEM fuel cells have demonstrated improved durability and reliability, which is crucial for automotive applications.
By leveraging the advantages of PEM fuel cell technology, the Toyota Mirai is able to offer a compelling alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, with the added benefits of zero direct emissions and a longer driving range compared to battery-electric vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
