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The Hydrogen Age Has Begun
For BMW
by Jenny McLane
BMW is presenting the H2R Hydrogen World Speed Record Car. This prototype
impressively proved the potential of a hydrogen car with a combustion engine,
achieving nine international records in one day. This clearly proves the BMW
Group's long held belief that hydrogen can replace conventional fuel without
having to forego the performance and dynamics of a modern premium automobile.
Hydrogen being the lightest element in the universe is also the most common,
available in an infinite supply. When mixed with oxygen, hydrogen burns in a
virtually clean manner, creating water vapour as exhaust. Thus, BMW believes
hydrogen is the fuel of the future.
BMW has seen the promise of hydrogen as a fuel for years. And today,
hydrogen-powered, high-performance BMW vehicles are a reality. But building
concept cars is just the first step; BMW's long-term goal is to help create a
world of "sustainable mobility." Eventually replacing the cars that run on
fossil fuels -- gasoline or diesel oil -- with vehicles that use this clean
burning, environmentally friendly element is the carmaker's vision.
With numerous international partnerships, each dedicated to helping the world
build a better future, based on hydrogen energy, BMW is set to achieve its
futuristic goal.
Sleek and aerodynamic, the BMW H2R ("Hydrogen Record Car") is one of the first
of a new breed of racecars specially developed to run on liquid hydrogen fuel.
With combustion engine that can run on liquid hydrogen or gasoline to propel the
vehicle, BMW H2R has already set nine international speed records at the Miramas
Proving Grounds in France.
The H2R’s mighty 6.0-liter V-12 engine, which draws on BMW's advanced
Valvetronic and Double-VANOS technology, is based on the 760i’s gasoline-fuelled
power plant. This H2-powered high performer generates 232 horsepower, helping it
to achieve a top speed of over 187 mph.
Refuelling a hydrogen-powered vehicle is just as similar to the gasoline powered
one. The driver doesn't even have to get out of the car. A tank card or
electronic remote control can easily identify the vehicle, so the fully
automated tank-filling robot knows whether to pump liquid or gaseous hydrogen.
Hydrogen gas will not leak into the air when refuelling a liquid hydrogen
powered BMW. By the time the driver needs more fuel, the hydrogen left in the
tank has turned into a gaseous state, at a higher pressure. At the refuelling
station, -423° F liquid hydrogen is pumped into the tank. As this liquid
hydrogen "rains" into the tank, the gaseous hydrogen already there condenses on
these super-cold droplets, and the partial pressure in the tank is reduced. As a
result, no hydrogen escapes while filling the tank.
At present, there are two hydrogen fuelling stations in Germany: one at the
Munich airport, and one in Berlin that offers conventional fuels, compressed
gaseous hydrogen (CGH2), and liquid hydrogen (LH2). There are also plans
underway to build 24 hydrogen-refuelling stations throughout California.
About Author:
Just as BMW strives to
create clean fuel and environment friendly cars, Partstrain online store shares
the vision by providing high quality, tested BMW parts at very affordable
prices. Browse at their fine array of BMW parts at
http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/BMW and match your BMW's superior performance.
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on
cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market
Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
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