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Global Concepts (Part 1)
Nissan FCEV
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Nissan's FCEV fuel-cell vehicle is supplied with hydrogen by an onboard methanol-reforming system. The experimental vehicle is based on the Nissan R'nessa/Altra EV with the onboard reformer system occupying the entire rear-seat and cargo compartments. Nissan's Phase II prototype vehicle will have its fuel-cell system, including the methanol reformer, located under the floor to free cabin space for passengers and cargo. The current FCEV has a methanol tank of 40-L (10.5-gal) capacity, while the methanol reformer has a capacity of about 80 L (21 gal). Its total fuel-cell system, including the fuel-cell stack, measures 1.0 x 1.0 x 0.6 m (3.2 x 3.2 x 2.0 ft). Hydrogen and compressed air from a Lysholm compressor is fed to a 40-L (1.41-ft3) fuel-cell stack. The propulsion motor driving the front wheels is connected to a power control unit that selects between the fuel-cell unit and a 100-kg (220-lb) lithium-ion battery pack housed under the cabin floor. The car's methanol reformer requires the assistance of the battery in the startup process, which remains one of the critical issues in the development of the FCEV. It currently requires 10 to 20 minutes to warm up the reformer before generating hydrogen. Nissan hopes to shorten the process to at most 1 minute.
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