BMW Unveils Hydrogen Advances

TECHNOLOGY FOCUSBMW Unveils Hydrogen Advances WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ - Hydrogen is acknowledged by experts worldwide as the most appropriate long-term energy carrier for motor vehicles. At the 2006 Hydrogen Expo U.S., held March 12 through 14 with the 17th NHA Annual Hydrogen Conference, at the Long Beach Convention Center in California, the BMW Group presented its update on the automaker's hydrogen research and development. The automaker's hydrogen technology employs liquid hydrogen as a fuel in internal combustion (IC) engines. In September 2004, BMW demonstrated its H2R hydrogen-powered research vehicle, setting nine international speed records for hydrogen-driven vehicles at that time. The prototype is powered by a 6.0L V12 engine that develops approximately 285 hp; among the records it set was 186.11 mph for the "flying-start" kilometer. Last month, BMW announced it is developing a limited-production 7 Series model capable of running on hydrogen or gasoline. The automaker's exhibit featured an example of a bifueled IC engine, as well as an in-vehicle liquid hydrogen storage system. This engine was also on display at the recent 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The BMW bifuel V12 engine runs on both hydrogen and gasoline, giving the vehicle a larger operating range when not in close proximity to a hydrogen fueling station.
(Photo: BMW)

Regeneratively produced hydrogen is the only truly sustainable energy source, says BMW, and in this respect, it differs fundamentally from fossil fuels. Moreover, its use in motor vehicles is free of carbon dioxide emissions. The two key elements of its hydrogen-powered vehicles, says the automaker, are the IC engine and the hydrogen fuel storage tank.

During the development of its IC bi-fuel engines, the automaker has sought to continue the characteristic performance, responsiveness, and comfort of the IC engine. Output levels of more than 170kW/ 230hp have been achieved - and the full potential has not yet been reached, BMW adds. The bifuel design allows the engine to be switched between hydrogen and gasoline, achieving the driving range of conventional vehicles while enabling the use of liquid hydrogen fuel where available.

To store hydrogen in the vehicle, it must be "supercooled" in liquid state at a constant temperature of -253