using H2 fuel cell in EV conversion

[RGr]

Hello,
has anyone done anything on using H2 fuel cell in EV conversions? do you know any opensource projects or repos on github e.g, controlling Toyota Mirai fuel cell, or its powertrain? such parts are today relatively easy available (partly because of low density of H2 filling stations, availability of H2 and its price), so perhaps you come across such projects either in EV or stationary installations.

[arber333]

Hello,
has anyone done anything on using H2 fuel cell in EV conversions? ....

I wouldn't recommend that kind of project to an ordinary Joe. it is full of hazards and H2 can go bang...
Earth atmosphere with O2 is not a good pace for H2 cells use...

I would rather recommend you look at methanol fuel cells. I read they are available for purchase in Austria.
Methanol is liquid...much safer for.DIY... also I remember a package for about 3kw output was 70kg...
I need to find the links...

EDIT: found it...
https://www.methanol.org/wp-content/upl ... tation.pdf

[eee291]

I looked up what something like this costs
https://www.bukh-bremen.de/strom/brenns ... -158000022
75w for €5k

I can make a 10kwh range extender for my EV for €500 or less.
With the remaining money you can buy like 2 leafs or other EVs.

[DVD3500]

Can we stay pragmatic and ask where would you possibly get the hydrogen?
Also, if you do find it, the cost is likely going to make the project completely impractical unless it is being done purely as a thought experiment...

I don't want to thread-drift but I read this morning about efforts to manufacturer "greener" cars buy using "greener" steel which, guess what, needs green hydrogen to be carbon neutral...
I found that hilarious as and very sad at once ...

[ianlighting]

You can’t just rock up to a h2 filling station (assuming you find one open somewhere) with a jerry can to fill up to take back to your garage. It’ll be 350 or 700 bar. I don’t think dealing with those pressures is very safe for a diy project. Or do you have experience with this stuff already?

[pehospi]

Hello,
has anyone done anything on using H2 fuel cell in EV conversions? do you know any opensource projects or repos on github e.g, controlling Toyota Mirai fuel cell, or its powertrain? such parts are today relatively easy available (partly because of low density of H2 filling stations, availability of H2 and its price), so perhaps you come across such projects either in EV or stationary installations.

It would be interesting to explore open-source projects on GitHub like controlling Toyota Mirai fuel cells. Have you come across any promising initiatives related to this?

[Usttdth]

That would be the challenge. The fuel cell itself is complex relative to an e motor or a battery. You would need to be able to rely on Toyotas controls for this.
Filling i think is doable in California.
I work in the business and love your ambition on this.

[acollins22]

In theory, fuel cells are pretty simple. In practice things quickly get complicated.

To run a tiny one on your desk for a few minutes wouldn't be too challenging.

However... They produce water and can drown if you don't manage it properly. If you let them get too hot, they can dry out in places and burn through parts of the cell. If you try and run them in too cold an environment, they can freeze.

They are an interesting technology but you can't apply the word "just" to any aspect of it. "Let's just bolt it down and see what happens". "Let's just give it more gas". "Let's just put the fire out". Etc.


Cheers,

Andy.