Daimler's Next Generation Fuel Cell Engine

摘要

Fuel cell technology is an integral part of the Daimler drivetrain strategy. The benefits are obvious: high range with short refueling times and at the same time a wide field of application possibilities from passenger cars up to city buses. Over 12 million kilometers have already been traveled in vehicles with fuel cell drive such as the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL and the Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid city bus. The next technological step is rising right now: Together with the partners of its global network of expertise, NuCellSys GmbH in Kirchheim/Teck, Germany and Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation in Vancouver, Canada, Daimler AG has developed a new fuel cell engine. About 30% more compact than before, it can be accommodated in the engine compartment of a vehicle for the first time. Moreover, the cost of the innovative technology has been reduced significantly e. g. through reducing the amount of platinum in the fuel cell stack by 90%. Within this article, the system built up of the fuel cell engine and its main components is described. In addition, the main achievements in comparison to the predecessor fuel cell system of the B-Class F-CELL are highlighted. Finally, the main challenges in the development of the next generation fuel cell engine are discussed.