Tata Motors Disclose First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus in India
If the Electric/CNG buses are considered the ultimate solution to fight against harmful emissions and noise pollution in the city center, those equipped with a fuel cell (Hydrogen) could appear in India in the coming years.
A bus equipped with a fuel cell (PAC) is an electric bus whose energy is produced directly on board the vehicle, on demand, which does not require the use of bulky, heavy and autonomous batteries Limited.
Recently published in http://auto.ndtv.com/ -
"Tata Motors launched the future of mass public transportation at its Pune facility and took another step in the direction of green technology and mobility solutions. The company launched the Starbus Electric 9m, Starbus Electric 12m and the Starbus Hybrid 12m range of buses which are designed, developed, powered by alternate fuels and made in India. The company says will be a good for smart cities. The company also showcased the country's first Fuel Cell bus (12m), LNG Powered bus (12m), and an 18m Articulated bus.
The Hydrogen Powered Starbus Fuel Cell bus is a zero-emission mass transport solution, for inter-city commute and has been developed in partnership with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). Combining hydrogen gas and oxygen, the fuel cell produces electricity to power the electric motor, with water and heat as a byproduct. This is the first time an Indian manufacturer has ventured in this direction. As far as Electric buses are concerned, Tata Motors finds a rival in the form of Ashok Leyland who recently revealed the Circuit series of all-electric buses which was in fact India's first of its kind. (Source), By CarAndBike Team Jan 25, 2017 "
Presentation and Benefits of Fuel Cells
The electrical energy is produced by the fuel cell, from the energy released by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen. This cell is powered by cylinders storing hydrogen. This device (battery + bottles) is mounted on the bus horn.
The use of the fuel cell only releases water vapor. It is therefore a mode of propulsion particularly ecological.
The arrival of buses equipped with a fuel cell in a network obviously requires some adjustments for the supply of hydrogen and the maintenance of these buses
HOW IT WORKS ?
Supplied with dihydrogen (H2) contained in gaseous form in one or more pressure tanks (350 or 700 bar), the fuel cell produces electricity by mixing the H2 with the oxygen (O2) present in the outside air . The energy is then stored in a lithium-ion battery or directly feeds the electric motor of the vehicle.What Technologies behind the Hydrogen Bus
The motor of the bus with hydrogen is electrical therefore silent and clean. The difference between an electric vehicle and a hydrogen vehicle is energy storage. Vehicle hybridization is called: the operation is the same but the batteries are replaced by hydrogen tank and the fuel cell (PAC).
The hydrogen bus stores its energy in a hydrogen tank, similar to a gas tank.This hydrogen will be converted into electricity by a fuel cell. This current will power the electric motor which will convert it into mechanical energy to turn the wheels.
The electric motor is capable, during braking, of converting the excess mechanical energy into electrical energy. This created electrical energy is then stored in the control battery.
Hydrogen Buses Serving the Clean City of Tomorrow
Several cities choose the hydrogen electric bus as part of their overall energy transition. They integrate the problems of extra cost, training and availability in the definition of their project.
The hydrogen buses allow cities to offer public transport 100% ecological. Moreover, the absence of polluting emissions and noise will significantly improve the living conditions of citizens.
