Hydrogen Cars - Toyota Mirai - Explained

Summary

In this video, we explore the fascinating world of hydrogen fuel cell technology, using the Toyota Mirai as a case study. The process begins with hydrogen passing through a platinum catalyst, which splits it into protons and electrons. The protons move through a proton exchange membrane, while electrons travel to power devices like electric motors. The byproduct of this reaction is water. The Toyota Mirai features hydrogen tanks that feed into a fuel cell stack, which powers an electric motor. The system also incorporates regenerative braking, offering a clean, efficient alternative to traditional combustion engines.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by separating hydrogen into positively charged atoms and electrons using a platinum catalyst.
• 😀 The hydrogen atoms pass through a proton exchange membrane, which only allows positively charged particles to pass, while electrons travel through an external circuit to provide power.
• 😀 The electrons return to the fuel cell after performing their task, combining with hydrogen atoms to form H2 molecules.
• 😀 Oxygen (O2) from the air reacts with hydrogen (H2) to create water (H2O) as the only byproduct, which is emitted from the car's tailpipe.
• 😀 The reaction within the fuel cell produces 2 H2O molecules as the primary output, with no harmful emissions such as CO2.
• 😀 The Toyota Mirai has two hydrogen tanks that supply the fuel cell stack, which contains multiple individual fuel cells stacked together.
• 😀 The energy generated by the fuel cell stack is sent to a power control unit, which can either store it in a battery or send it directly to the electric motor for immediate use.
• 😀 Regenerative braking allows the vehicle to recover energy while slowing down, sending it back to the battery for later use.
• 😀 Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are similar to electric vehicles, with the main difference being that they use hydrogen as a fuel source to generate electricity.
• 😀 Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have the advantage of being refueled quickly compared to battery electric vehicles, making them more convenient for long-distance travel.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video explains how hydrogen fuel cell cars work, using the Toyota Mirai as an example to showcase the technology.

How does a hydrogen fuel cell generate electricity?

A hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity by splitting hydrogen into electrons and positively charged hydrogen ions. The electrons flow through an external circuit, creating electricity, while the ions pass through a membrane and combine with oxygen to form water.

What role does the platinum catalyst play in a hydrogen fuel cell?

The platinum catalyst helps separate the hydrogen atoms into electrons and hydrogen ions, which are essential for the electricity generation process in the fuel cell.

What is the purpose of the proton exchange membrane in a fuel cell?

The proton exchange membrane only allows positively charged hydrogen ions to pass through, while blocking electrons and neutral particles. This ensures the proper flow of ions needed for electricity generation.

What happens to the electrons in a hydrogen fuel cell?

The electrons are separated from the hydrogen atoms by the platinum catalyst and then travel through an external circuit, powering devices like electric motors or lights. After doing their work, they return to the fuel cell to combine with hydrogen ions and oxygen to form water.

What is the byproduct of the hydrogen fuel cell reaction?

The only byproduct of the hydrogen fuel cell reaction is water, which is emitted as vapor from the car's tailpipe.

How is hydrogen stored and used in the Toyota Mirai?

In the Toyota Mirai, hydrogen is stored in two tanks. The hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell stack, where it reacts with oxygen to generate electricity that powers the vehicle's electric motor.

What is regenerative braking and how does it work in the Toyota Mirai?

Regenerative braking is a system that captures energy generated when the car slows down. This energy is sent back to the power control unit and stored in the battery for later use.

How does the Toyota Mirai differ from traditional electric vehicles?

The Toyota Mirai is similar to electric vehicles in that it uses electricity to power an electric motor, but it differs in that it uses hydrogen as a fuel source instead of a battery to store energy.

Why is a hydrogen fuel cell car considered more environmentally friendly than a conventional car?

A hydrogen fuel cell car is considered more environmentally friendly because it only emits water vapor as a byproduct, compared to conventional cars that emit harmful pollutants such as CO2 from burning gasoline or diesel.