Hydrogen ICE Car Layout for Range Without Longer Vehicle Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines face challenges in achieving high performance without compromising range due to the low density of hydrogen, requiring large and heavy storage tanks, which affects dynamic performance and vehicle length.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid car configuration with a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine and electric machine, optimized tank placement, and innovative engine and transmission system design to accommodate hydrogen tanks without penalizing dynamic performance, including a unique arrangement of spherical and cylindrical tanks and a dual-clutch gearbox for efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If hydrogen tanks are made larger to store adequate hydrogen mass, then the range is improved, but the vehicle length and weight increase, deteriorating dynamic performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional longitudinal engine placement to a transverse (side-mounted) engine configuration. This dimensional change in engine orientation frees up longitudinal space, allowing hydrogen tanks to be positioned along the vehicle's length without increasing overall vehicle length, thus maintaining range while preserving dynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the hydrogen storage system into multiple separate tanks (typically three tanks: two longitudinal and one transverse) rather than using a single large tank. This segmentation allows flexible spatial distribution of storage capacity, optimizing both range and vehicle packaging without compromising dynamic characteristics.
2Duration of action of moving object
If hydrogen tanks are made larger to store adequate hydrogen mass, then the range is improved, but the vehicle weight increases, deteriorating dynamic performance
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hydrogen storage into multiple smaller tanks distributed throughout the vehicle structure, the patent achieves adequate total storage capacity without concentrating excessive weight in one location. This distributed weight distribution maintains better weight balance and reduces the penalty on dynamic performance compared to a single large tank.
3Quantity of substance
If spherical or cylindrical hydrogen tanks are used to withstand high pressure, then the storage capacity is improved, but the positioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the transverse dimension by mounting the engine laterally, which creates available space for positioning spherical or cylindrical hydrogen tanks in configurations that would be impossible with conventional longitudinal engine placement. This dimensional reorganization simplifies the integration of complex-shaped high-pressure tanks into the vehicle architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a car with a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine to achieve high dynamic performance and a satisfactory range by optimizing hydrogen storage and engine layout, allowing for a compact and efficient powertrain configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine generates no greenhouse gases (CO 2 ) and generates very little CO, HC and particulate matter
Implementation Method 2
even when the maximum hydrogen storage pressure reaches 700 bar
Data Source
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AI summary
A car (1) having: two front wheels (2); two rear drive wheels (4); an internal combustion engine (5), which is powered by hydrogen, is provided with a plurality of cylinders (18), inside which respective pistons (19) slide, and with a drive shaft (20) connected to the pistons (19), and is longitudinally arranged in a central or rear position; a transmission system (6), which connects the drive shaft (20) of the internal combustion engine (5) to the rear drive wheels (4); and two tanks (15), which are arranged beside an engine block of the internal combustion engine (5) on the two opposite sides of the internal combustion engine (5).