Zero-emission mobility does not only involve electric cars, not even those with extended range. The key lies in a fuel that only produces water vapor when it burns, which you will remember we have talked about before. Today we want you to get to know the new lightweight hydrogen fuel cell, with unprecedented power and from a brand you know well.
New lightweight hydrogen fuel cell: this legendary brand cracks the code
Red Bull, known for its energy drinks and sponsorship of extreme sports, has long had an interest in developing cutting-edge vehicle technology. As the owner of two Formula One racing teams and sponsor of events like the Flugtag flying competition, Red Bull is constantly seeking ways to push boundaries and innovate.
In motorsports, reducing vehicle weight is critical for improved speed and efficiency. This pursuit of ever-lighter vehicles led Red Bull to partner with Austrian engineering firm AVL to develop an ultra-lightweight hydrogen fuel cell. Weighing just under 3kg, this new fuel cell aims to revolutionize electric propulsion systems.
By leveraging AVL’s decades of experience in powertrain development and Red Bull’s expertise in high-performance vehicles, this partnership represents an exciting step towards lighter, more powerful electric mobility. With the lightweight hydrogen fuel cell, Red Bull and AVL are bringing their innovative vision to life.
25 kW in just 3 kg of weight: the details of this lightweight hydrogen fuel cell
The engine has been developed with entry into production processes in close cooperation with and AVL, tapping new performance potential in low-weight hydrogen fuel cells complying with highest density requirements. The fresh fuel cell is only 2.8 kg heavy and generates at maximum the power output of 25 kW (over 8 kW/kg).
They achieve a slight edge in power density in terms of previous designs due to some technological distinctiveness. With a stack weight considerably reduced compared to other products due to their scrapped design based on ultrathin MEAs, AVL is the winner in the stack weight category.
Besides this, the bipolar plates are made of stainless steel designed to withstand a high-performance operation and be able to yield hydrogen from the incoming fuel. These sophisticated plates are made for perfect and uninterrupted gas distribution.
Red Bull Advanced Technology made use of their skills in lightweight materials like carbon fiber to manufacture a strong, minimalist shelter that does not put on excess weight for the battery. The general idea is the fact that the polymer is used at the membrane level, and plates are made of neither grids nor carbons.
Red Bull goes for hydrogen: a powerful, renewable and efficient fuel
Red Bull is famous for its long-time association with fast-paced sports such as today’s Formula One racing and extreme sports in which speed and endurance level exceed even the expectations of the most daring individuals.
To be precise, the Red Bull sees wonderful opportunities for replacing fossil fuel Engines by more sophisticated fuel cell systems that are the advanced technology. On the other hand, this would allow their vehicles to be at least couple times faster without having to install heavy weighted batteries that can be bad for the environment.
This fuel cell technology applies to Red Bull’s live a Rally Car, Air Force X-Plane, Ceratted Ski Jump as well as other wild projects. The aircrafts being without weight along with the majority of vehicles and the available of the renewable source of power are favorable for particular vehicles and equipments of Red Bull beneath the brand.
However, besides straighten somebody application this Generator also gives credit to Red Bull due to the fact that it is innovative company with a propensity to take risks and pioneer. Outrunning competition by remaining on the crest of wave of the technological progress that touches the core of the young, ambitious customers.
This lightweight hydrogen fuel cell has marked a before and after in the sector, but not only for its power, but also for its reduced weight. It is a compact solution that shows us how the new engines will not grow precisely in size but also in autonomy. Are we on the way to a REx, but with hydrogen? Maybe this is what they are looking for in the sector.