The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL

Posted December 5, 2009 | Category: Cars

The new B-Class F-CELL Mercedes-Benz is the first electric-powered fuel cells produced in series. The Mercedes-Benz has already started production of this ecological model in small series and in the spring of next year will deliver to several customers in Europe and the USA the first 200 units. The "heart" of the B-Class F-CELL is the electric motor with a new generation of fuel cells: compact, powerful, safe and perfectly suitable for everyday use. The fuel cell generates the traction current without producing harmful emissions and tailpipe protrudes only water vapor. The main components of the powertrain, housed in the sandwich floor, are effectively protected in the event of any impact and take up little space, assuring the full availability of cabin space and boot. Due to the high range, about 400 kilometers and short refueling times, B-Class F-CELL is a perfect blend of mobility with zero emissions, suitability for long trips and compelling performance. The electric motor delivers 100 kW/136 hp and excellent torque of 290 Nm, ensures a high driving pleasure and performance of a gasoline engine from 2.0 liters. The consumption of the B-Class F-CELL in the NEDC cycle is equal to just 3.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (diesel equivalent).

Technically the propulsion of the B-Class F-CELL is based on the system of fuel cells of last generation. This system is smaller by about 40% compared to that of Class F-CELL in 2004, but it ensures a higher power consumption reduced by 30% and 30%. The main components of traction are:

The module of fuel cells of the B-Class F-CELL, the stack, is characterized by an excellent ability to starter even at temperatures particularly rigid, up to -25 ° C. The system is equipped with a new humidifier fibers empty that, on the contrary of the fuel cell of the first generation, prevents water from freezing in the stack, and then of hindering the cold start. Even at temperatures of -15 ° C, B-Class F-CELL you start quickly, like a car equipped with a modern diesel engine. Thanks to a special operating strategy, the stack of fuel cells reaches the optimum operating temperature (about 80 ° C) at each start. The powerful cooling system and the intelligent temperature management allow you to maintain this ideal temperature in any condition of exercise.

The hydrogen necessary for the operation of the fuel cell is accumulated in the three tanks of the car with a pressure of 700 bar. The tanks have a capacity of almost 4 kilograms of gaseous fuel and are properly sealed the outside to prevent any escape of hydrogen, even in case the car remains stops for prolonged periods. The high degree of compression of hydrogen, with a full tank of gas B-Class F-CELL reaches a maximum range of 400 kilometers, more than double the A-Class F-CELL. The tanks are filled with ease and the full requires in less than three minutes, thanks to a refueling system standardized.

The electric motor, a permanent-magnet synchronous motor, delivers a maximum output of 100 kW/136 hp and maximum torque of 290 Nm - typically as high as in all electric motors - available from the first revolutions of the engine. B-Class F-CELL ensures excellent driving performance, some of which far exceed those of a two-liter gasoline engine. Converted to liters of diesel, the consumption of electric drive zero emission fuel cell is equivalent to just 3.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in the NEDC.

The battery current used is a powerful lithium-ion battery technology with high voltage, which has an energy content of 1.4 kWh and is cooled by the cooling circuit. For the battery of the B-Class F-CELL Mercedes-Benz has used the experiences gained with the lithium-ion technology developed for the S 400 HYBRID. The advantages of lithium-ion battery are its compact size and power far greater than the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH). Compared to NiMH technology, the energy density is higher by 30% and the power density of 50%. In addition, this type of battery is distinguished by high efficiency charging and a long duration.

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