Nissan is developing a bio-ethanol fuel cell

Hydrogen fuel cells are seen by many as an ideal replacement for internal combustion engines. However, the technology has some big hurdles to overcome, not least how to produce pure hydrogen on a cost-effective basis and then distribute it via a refuelling infrastructure.

Those obstacles have prompted Nissan to begin work on an 'e-Bio' solid oxide fuel cell. This uses bio-ethanol as a primary fuel, which is a fermented compound of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen sourced from crops such as corn or sugar cane.

The system delivers bio-ethanol from an on-board tank to a reformer unit, where hydrogen is extracted. Then, after being fed into a fuel cell, the hydrogen has an electromechanical reaction with atmospheric oxygen that generates electricity. A battery and electric motors complete the powertrain.

Nissan e-Bio Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Schematic

Bio-ethanol isn't necessarily a perfect solution, though. In particular, critics decry the huge area of arable land required to grow sufficient quantities of biomass.

Nissan hasn't said when a vehicle featuring its bio-ethanol fuel cell might be launched.

Related posts:
Renault’s Twizy arrives in the USA as a Nissan
Two battery options for the 2016 Nissan Leaf

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more

‘New’ Jensen Interceptor

Image
There’s something very retro-chic about using a classic car as a daily driver, but it’s an activity that comes with the permanent risk that aged mechanicals might expire at any time. Hence the concept of regeneration by substituting ancient components with fresh replacements. Handling, brakes and reliability are all dramatically improved, while the outward appearance remains unmolested. Various models have received this treatment in recent years, including numerous Jaguars and even the Shelby G.T.500CR . Now it’s the turn of the Jensen Interceptor, a car originally built during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Jensen International Automotive , based in Thame, Oxfordshire, has just delivered the first of its Interceptor R models. And, with an annual production figure of 18 cars, it’s a product that will be very exclusive. In a process lasting around five months, each Interceptor R is totally rebuilt from a suitable donor car. The body shell is stripped back to bare metal before it
Read more