Consider a fuel cell vehicle. The vehicle draws 30 kW of power at 60 mph and is

Question

Consider a fuel cell vehicle. The vehicle draws 30 kW of power at 60 mph and is 40% efficient at rated power. (It converts 40% of the energy stored in the hydrogen fuel to electric power.) You are asked to size the fuel cell system so that a driver can go at least 300 miles at 60 mph before refueling. Specify the minimum volume and weight requirements for the fuel cell system (fuel cell + fuel tank) given the following information:
• Fuel cell power density: 1 kW/L
• Fuel tank energy density (compressed hydrogen): 4 MJ/L

Explanation / Answer

Because the engine has an efficency of only 40%. Energy = 30000/.4 = 75,000kW To go for 300miles we need 75,000kW * 5 = 375,000kW Given fuel cell power density = 1kW/L We need a fuel cell that can supply 375,000kW * 1L/1kW = 375,000L Fuel tank energy density = 375,000kW * 4MJ/L I don't know the units, but you can convert with units of conversion to find the answer.

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