Daimler Is Increasing The Pressure: Extended Operating Range For Fuel Cell Vehicles

Daimler Is Increasing The Pressure: Extended Operating Range For Fuel Cell Vehicles

Daimler AG has converted the first vehicles of its existing fuel cell fleet from 350 to 700-bar technology. With this more highly compressed hydrogen, the operating range of these vehicles can now be extended by up to 70 percent. The first practical test for an A-Class F-CELL 鈥減lus鈥?featuring this technology was a journey from Berlin, Germany鈥檚 capital city, to the Magdeburg environmental forum; the vehicle thus demonstrated its suitability for everyday operation. With around 270 kilometers - as compared with the original 160 - per tank filling, the new 700-bar technology is already extending the operating range in the current vehicle generation by up to 70 percent. The B-Class F-CELL, to be produced in a small series as of 2010, will even boast a range of about 400 kilometers. The new generation of fuel cell drive is far more compact and at the same time more efficient and ideally suited to everyday use.

The technological basis of this development is the optimized fuel cell system presented by Mercedes-Benz in its F 600 HYGENIUS research vehicle in 2005. This highly compact unit operates much more efficiently than the fuel cells from the previous generations. The newly designed stack module is around 40 percent smaller, but develops 30 percent more power output and cuts fuel consumption by 16 percent. The system also has favorable cold-starting ability. This is made possible by innovations such as the electric turbocharger for air supply and the new humidification/dehumidification system. The electric motor develops a peak output of 100 kW/136 hp and a maximum torque of 320 newton-meters. The B-Class F-CELL thus meets high requirements regarding driving dynamics that are above the level of a two-liter gasoline vehicle. Nevertheless, the emission-free fuel cell drive system of this compact family car has a diesel-equivalent consumption rating of only 2.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.

This symbol informs the driver that the coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the engine cooling system. The engine will otherwise be seriously damaged. Add coolant, ensuring you allow the engine time to cool down before doing so. If you have to add coolant frequently, contact a qualified specialist workshop and have the engine cooling system checked. See engine coolant for further details. If symbol illuminates and stays illuminated when the engine is cool and the temperature reading is at the start of the gauge, it indicates the temperature sensor is faulty. This symbol will illuminate in red to inform the driver that the cooling fan has malfunctioned. Drive carefully to your nearest Mercedes engineer ensuring that you do not put excessive load on the engine. It can also indicate coolant levels are too low. If the light illuminates along with an audible tone, it suggests engine coolant is overheating and has exceeded 120掳C. Pull over as soon as safe to do so and switch off engine. Allow to cool down and check coolant levels. If levels are correct, have vehicle inspected immediately.

This symbol illuminates indicating the battery is not being charged. A warning tone also sounds. Possible causes are: a defective alternator, a defective power electronics (PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles), a torn poly-V-belt, a malfunction in the electronics. Do not drive the vehicle as the engine may overheat. If the engine is not running and the battery charge light illuminates, turn off any electrical equipment in the vehicle such as the rear window defroster and interior lighting and try to start the vehicle again. Leave engine running for several minutes before pulling away. The engine oil level has dropped to the minimum level and a warning tone also sounds. Avoid driving long distances with too little oil as this may damage the engine. If topping up the oil is required frequently, see a qualified Mercedes Benz engineer. The triangle containing an exclamation mark symbol illuminate to issue a warning. Message: Switch Ignition Off Before Exiting - PLUG-IN Hybrid vehicles: You are exiting the vehicle when it is in a ready-to-drive state. The READY indicator in the multifunction display is on. A warning tone also sounds.