Toyota's Innovative Approach to Enhancing Liquid Hydrogen Efficiency
Key Ideas
- Toyota's concept model explores using hydrogen generated while driving to increase liquid hydrogen efficiency, addressing the issue of boil-off gas wastage.
- The new technology involves a self-pressurizer that converts boil-off gas back to hydrogen fuel without external energy, potentially improving energy efficiency.
- Surplus boil-off gas is used to generate electricity through a fuel cell stack, powering components like the hydrogen pump, with any remaining gas safely released as water vapor.
- Toyota showcased the technology at a race series in Japan and is seeking partners to further develop and refine the system, emphasizing a commitment to carbon neutrality.
Toyota has developed a concept model that aims to enhance the efficiency of liquid hydrogen as an engine fuel by utilizing hydrogen generated while driving. The model addresses the issue of boil-off gas, where fuel stored in the tank evaporates due to external heat. Toyota's innovation involves a self-pressurizer that converts the boil-off gas back to hydrogen fuel for the engine without requiring external energy. This process significantly improves the energy efficiency of the liquid hydrogen system. Additionally, surplus boil-off gas is used to generate electricity through a fuel cell stack, powering various components of the vehicle. Any remaining gas is converted into water vapor through a catalyst and safely released outside the vehicle. The technology was showcased at a race series in Japan, demonstrating Toyota's commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality. Toyota is actively seeking partners to collaborate on further developing and refining this innovative system.