Friday, July 22, 2011

2011 Honda FCX Clarity Review

The elegant shape of the Honda FCX Clarity distinguishes it from everything else on the road and complete the sense, for environmental reasons driving the vehicle fuel cell is the driver. Crisp, dark chrome trim that extends up to the lighthouse buffer draws our gaze to the front wings, creating a powerful, dynamic look and a cool, clean, futuristic feel. Left and increase the Honda FCX Clarity is a free-flowing home. Mounted on slender arms bearing the molding of a merger, they emphasize the elegant lines and the side windows, which includes a housing forming a mirror. Exterior door handles are free, clean look, which emphasizes a thin line of the body. A solid rear bumper confirms compact cottage bold, sculpted look. The rear window and ergonomic design of the taillights emphasize the car wide, safe location.

An additional window back to control the visibility: good looks to increase visibility, allowing more start

The most distinctive feature of the new design of the motion is in the back of the Honda FCX Clarity. To enjoy the high-deck design and enhance the visibility behind the car is equipped with an additional window with a control function of the visibility carefully designed to protect privacy. The rear of the car is to ensure the high volume of baggage good and the windows are placed on the upper eyelid and the fence behind the rear seat to allow the driver to see in the trunk.


2011 Honda FCX Clarity

Control the visibility of the occupants to see without seeing through the loops

A special layer of polycarbonate is applied to both sides of the window of transparency depends on the angle of vision, to protect the privacy of the occupants. The result is an excellent rear visibility for the driver, with a high level of privacy for the rear passengers.

Free flow, active aerodynamics a new platform for the unique properties

It is no coincidence that the key exterior design features front and rear wings, the front pillar, tapered rear cabin also contribute to excellent aerodynamics. Superb aerodynamics inherent in free-flowing movement form. And because there is no engine and therefore no system of lower branches exhaust, body is flattened, reducing drag.

Lightweight aerodynamic wheels

Ultra-lightweight forged aluminum 5-spoke-shaped wing fairings are plastic to eliminate air turbulence, reducing weight and improving aerodynamics, while adding a sporty touch.

A new unique finish highlights the complex surfaces and contours of the body

Star garnet color transparent glass set on the Honda FCX Clarity is a movement of the body separately. Extraordinary depth and quality of the coating ensures a deep, lucid expression that changes depending on the nature of the play of light and shadow over the entire surface. This is a reward for the inside and outside the vehicle.

A comfortable, spacious environment, futuristic

Honda designers had intended to make the most of the space, creating a comfort zone with a futuristic atmosphere. The central tunnel formed by the FC Stack clearly divides the room front left and right. The door trim help create an inclusive sense that distinguishes the personal space of four independent seats in the spacious cabin. The floating panel gives the cockpit next generation feel to the operator and provides new levels of functionality and visibility. The warm earth tones colors is designed to create a soothing, natural feeling.


2011 Honda FCX Clarity

Personal space that residents dive into comfort

Four different pieces were created in the luxurious interior. The doors have bold concave lines, emphasizing the feeling of space and create a personal space for relaxation.

Floating layers of the dashboard for a feeling enhanced

Pillars are extended forward, while maintaining a generous headroom, to create a sense of space. The instrumentation is to go in a single line for the port, which can be seen to levitate. Emphasizes bright colors filling the airy, spacious feel.

A cab-forward for a futuristic experience

Naturally, because it is a Honda FCX Clarity is fun and easy to drive. The new fuel cell multifunctional display in the cockpit, for example, contains three dimensions of hydrogen consumption, battery level, engine power and other important information. The speedometer is placed directly on the screen to minimize eye movements. A compact electronic gear using the latest in drive-by-wire technology was cast in visors dial. Other design touches enhance the futuristic feel, first switch off the center console that activates the fuel cell.

Fuel cell performance meters

Luminance meter three-dimensional integrated into the dashboard displays all the key driving information. A ball-shaped center H2 foot track hydrogen consumption. The brand of the vehicle work together to provide an effective interface, providing the output data needs of the driver.

The caliber bullet in the form of H2 from hydrogen consumption changes color and size to reflect the consumption of hydrogen in an engine of change in conditions. During use, the ball gets bigger and amber. As consumption drops, it shrinks and turns yellow, then blue. Hydrogen fuel and the battery indicator to the right of the H2 into a ball feet. The fuel cell stack output and the output screen battery indicator / charge is in the outer perimeter.


2011 Honda FCX Clarity

Prestige of the future

Silver accents and blue acrylic inner door handle, and the audio panel to spread the futuristic appearance. Precious materials such as wood grain appearance of the door panels and a bright white lacquer head restraints, combined with warm colors, luxurious, space-age feel.

Honda Bio-Fabric, a new plant for lining material

It can help to move away from petroleum-based resins and other synthetic fibers to a plant-based fabrics, Honda has created a new award in biofabric vehicles. Honda Bio-Fabric polyester called poly (trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) is a fermented corn. The design and durability make it perfect for use in seat covers, door trim, console trays and arms, any part of the vehicle, where residents can enjoy the atmosphere prize. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) fibers made from corn and biomass plants used for the roof lining, carpets and boot. In fact, the whole mountain Honda FCX Clarity coatings are made of natural, plant-based materials.

Honda Bio-Fabric: excellent elasticity and feel

The molecular structure of PTT fiber is finely folded into a concertina structure that stretches more easily than other fibers and easily return to its original shape, avoiding collapse. It also has a unique opportunity not found in silky other coatings. That's why Honda Bio-Fabric used on all surfaces that come into direct contact with residents.

The production process

1,3-propanediol, which is the raw material for PTT fiber is normally produced by chemosynthesis. However, Honda Bio-Fabric made from corn using a bio-fermentation technology. It is combined with terephthalic acid, an extract of oil, creating PTT resin, which in turn spun fiber made, dyed and turned to Honda Bio-Fabric.

Reduce CO2 emissions

On the basis of the product life cycle of acquiring materials and the production of the Honda Bio Fabric, a reduction in CO2 emissions by 30% for Honda FCX Clarity a car, compared to conventional polyester made from petroleum products.

Plant resins are carbon neutral, even when it is burned, CO2 is released during the removal is balanced by the CO2 absorbed during growth.

A leading independent temperature control

To meet the needs of automotive customers high-end, the Honda FCX Clarity has dual zone climate control to ensure optimum occupant comfort and efficient use of energy.

Air-conditioned seats

Temperature control devices integrated directly into the seat cushions and back of the fan to draw air, a thermoelectric device cools (by absorbing heat) or more. The air is blown through the seats to maintain the desired temperature while maintaining the breathability of the polyurethane foam and porous layers of padding. Since this process provides heating and cooling in direct contact with the occupants, it is faster and more efficient than air conditioning units. Individual controls are located on each side of the central panel, providing a key point of customer convenience and luxury.


2011 Honda FCX Clarity

Plenty of storage space

The Honda FCX Clarity has been designed to meet all storage needs. There are drink holders for each occupant, and many other easy to use storage areas. A space in the trunk, separate storage sub-boot and many other innovations add to the amount of storage comparable to other midsize sedans.

Smaller. Best result. The fuel cell electric vehicle is developed

Honda fuel cell electric vehicles continue to dominate the industry. Recognition that the fuel cell is the key to the development of fuel cell electric car, Honda has continued to improve performance and packaging. In 2003, Honda unveiled the Honda FC Stack, able to zero in the feasibility of starting and boasts excellent production. Its design, with stamped metal separators and an aromatic electrolytic membrane, has revolutionized the fuel cell. Then, Honda took up the challenge of structural innovation generates V Flow FC Stack with the original cell structure that provides weight loss, improved performance and more compact design. V Flow FC platform is the next generation of packaging design. He makes a compelling style and packaging as possible in a vehicle fuel cell for the first time. This is the breakthrough in battery technology that Honda FCX Clarity elegant design.

The new V Flow FC Stack: high light output, compact design

The V Flow FC Stack features an entirely new cellular structure, which produces an output greater than 100 kW, smaller size and lower weight, with a 50% improvement in performance per volume ratio, and 67% increase in density mass production, compared with 2006 Honda FCX Concept.

Layer of cells that produce a lot of energy

Honda V Flow FC Stack uses proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) power generation capacity, which directly transforms the chemical energy produced by hydrogen-oxygen reaction into electrical energy.

The extremely thin proton exchange membrane (electrolyte membrane) is sandwiched between the pair of electrode layers and diffusion layers (hydrogen and oxygen electrodes) to form a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The MEA is enclosed in two separators to form a cell, a unit of electricity. Several hundred cells are stacked to form a fuel cell. As with batteries, these individual cells connected in series to produce a high voltage.


2011 Honda FCX Clarity

How can electricity

Hydrogen gas is passed through the hydrogen electrode. Each hydrogen atom is converted into a hydrogen ion in a catalytic reaction with platinum electrode and releases an electron.

Take Electron abandoned, the hydrogen ions pass through the electrolyte membrane, where it agrees with the oxygen in the oxygen electrode and the electron arrives via an external circuit.

The freed electrons create a current flow in the external circuit. The answer to the oxygen electrode produces water as byproduct.

Because the electrolyte membrane must be kept constantly moist, is necessary to humidify the hydrogen and oxygen. The water-product is recycled for this purpose. The water and exhaust air is released unnecessary.

The power supply on request

The main components of the fuel cell powered car electric fuel cell that generates electricity from the hydrogen tank, hydrogen, lithium-ion battery, the electric motor and Drive Unit (PDU), which regulates the flow of electricity. When the vehicle is driven by an electric motor, it delivers a smooth and powerful acceleration and quiet operation, without noise and vibration in relation to an internal combustion engine. During startup and acceleration, when a large amount of energy needed to power fuel cell from the drive motor is complemented by the power of lithium-ion battery to provide powerful performance. During deceleration, the motor acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electricity stored in lithium-ion battery with any excess electricity produced by fuel cells.

When the vehicle is stopped, stop system to a minimum to stop the production of electricity industries the ability to stack fuel cells. Electricity from a lithium-ion battery provides continuous operation of air conditioning and other equipment. The system controls the flow in an optimal way, which is a very efficient way.

Another major breakthrough: a structure of vertical flow cell is combined with the wave flow channel separators for an even more compact and lightweight

So far, hydrogen and air flowed horizontally through the cell stack Honda fuel cell. The new V Flow FC Stack introduces a cell structure in which hydrogen and air flow vertically, and gravity is used to promote a more efficient drainage of the by-product of the water layer production electricity. The result is greater stability in the production of energy. The new structure also allows flow channel thinner and a reduction in stack size and weight. Honda and innovative and original wave flow channel separators provide a more efficient and smooth hydrogen, air and coolant for the power generation business layers. The result is higher performance production, the properties of optimal cooling and significant reductions in size and weight. More compact, the new battery has much less room and can fit in one box. It is also much easier to produce.


2011 Honda FCX Clarity

Structure of the V Flow cell for stability in power generation and a slimmer design

In addition to hydrogen and air flow vertically, the V-flow design also means that the drainage water with the aid of gravity. The water does not accumulate in the layer of power generation, to ensure constant power. It also allows flow channel depth was reduced by 17%, a major contributing factor to creating thinner cells and a lot more compact.

Wave flow-channel separators allow smaller stack design

The fuel cell consists of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between two electrode layers and diffusion layers forming electrodes of hydrogen and oxygen, which in turn is enclosed between separators contain flow channels for hydrogen, air and coolant. V Flow FC Stack incorporates wave-shaped vertical flow channels for hydrogen and air flow channels with coolant horizontal weave them. The wave flow channels provide greater flow length per channel than straight channels, while the resulting turbulent flow in the channel promotes improved hydrogen and air distribution. As a standard result, hydrogen and air over the entire electrode layer, making more efficient use of the compact layer of energy production and to achieve performance that generates about 10% higher than straight flow channels.

The coolant flow also ensures more horizontal cooling, even on the layer of energy production as a whole, allowing a reduction in the number of layers for the cooling half that of previous stacks. The previous stack had one cooling layer for each cell. The new stack needs only one cooling layer of two cells. The result is a 20% reduction in stack length and a weight of 30%, a major breakthrough in compact, lightweight battery.

Improved thermal mass can begin to -30 ˚ C

Drain the water has improved the structure of the flow cell provides a better output V immediately after starting. The reduced coolant volume and single-box design made possible by the flow channel of a heat wave results from the separator mass 40% lower than previous stacks. As a result, the amount of time required to reach 50% output after starting at -20 ˚ C is only a quarter of the previous stack. The launch is now possible at temperatures down to -30 ˚ C.

Source of power to shape the distribution of the basic configuration of the car

Most distinctive feature of the field of fuel cell electric cars such as the fuel cell itself, the arrangement is flexible to allow the power plant and transmission can be shared throughout the vehicle. In order to use this function, each component of the fuel must be made very compact. To this end, each part of the fuel cell stack, the engine and gearbox, Power Drive Unit, Lithium Ion, and even hydrogen tanks and heat exchangers, is the most compact and efficient as possible. This gives maximum freedom to optimize the position of each part to achieve a spacious interior design of a single new fuel-cell electric car. The final product is the epitome of Honda's man maximum, machine minimum design philosophy and the next generation of human-friendly car.


2011 Honda FCX Clarity

V Flow FC Stack is located inside the central tunnel and lithium-ion battery is located under the rear seat. The result is a free-flowing, full-cabin design with a long wheelbase that give the spacious and comfortable seats that customers expect from a luxury car.

The drive motor, gearbox and savings combined PDU large space in the transmission system. A heater unit more compact design contributes to the short nose.

Reducing the number of components of the hydrogen tank, and change its shape will be a more efficient use of space, creating a lot of space to the rear seat and trunk areas. Improvements in both the hydrogen tank and layout of the stack FC leads to a low floor and low-car pack is an attractive and functional.

Vertical flow, in which cells of a fuel cell stack configured so that hydrogen and air flow from top to bottom

Spinal layout, where the fuel cell box oriented longitudinally in the middle of the tunnel

Volume-efficient packaging and platform-low-floor

Technology - the powerhouse that is sure to spark a revolution in design, packaging, and performance

In addition to making fuel cell engines and other components more compact individual parts were grouped into modular units. The result is incredibly compact and lightweight design, 180 kg lighter and 45% less than the previous engine.

Much more compact, uniform fuel cell system

The stack of fuel cells is now included in a package instead of two. This reduces the components required to connect the batteries together and allows for the supply of hydrogen, humidification system and contactors are combined into a single unit, which is 65% less than the previous system. This can be a vehicle to locate the center console instead of a tunnel under the floor, reached a low floor, low-frame.

Compact, highly efficient lithium-ion battery requires less space

The car's additional power source, the new lithium-ion battery that offers increased performance and energy into a lighter and more compact. The new battery is 40% lighter and 50% less than the ultra-capacitor FCX in 2005, so it can be stowed under the rear seat. This gives the interior of the car more and more safe.

Three radiators integrated into one

The engine efficiency, vehicle weight and improved aerodynamics have resulted in a significant reduction in heat production. Cooling vents for the engine compartment was the ability to reconfigure and cooling radiators increased. These improvements have helped integrate the fuel cell heater, heating and power plant condenser cooling in one unit with three layers. The unit requires new radiator space 40% less, contribute to the design elegant short nose.

Unified coaxial motor / gearbox and PDU

An innovative configuration with coaxial geared motor and gearbox, achieves a reduction of 162 mm in length, measured along the shaft.

The coaxial engine / transmission is associated with the electric drive unit (PDU) in a unified configuration that saves another 240 mm in height. These innovations enable the sleek Honda FCX Clarity, the design of a short nose.


2011 Honda FCX Clarity

Integration of functions in the hydrogen

It creates more space for the rear seats and cargo area. The shut-off valve, regulator, pressure sensors and other components of refueling and supply system has been integrated into a single module in the tank, reducing the number of parts by 74%. Tank capacity is more efficient installation space is 24% better, and the model range has increased.

Driving experience created by the special high-performance electric motor

Along with the uncompromising performance, the electric motor Honda FCX Clarity offers a driving experience completely different from the traditional vehicle powered by internal combustion engines. Do not stop delivery of replacement power and torque characteristics are smooth, the acceleration of a perfect and durable. This is a key part of his distinctive, premium driving feel. There is none of vibration that is for the pistons back and forth. There is no combustion, just noise quiet, clean, vibration-free performance.

Moments start and acceleration comparable to a 2.4-liter internal combustion engine vehicles of similar size.

Honda FCX Clarity engine is high performance and superior results of energy management in extreme operational efficiency. In addition, vehicle weight and excellent aerodynamics contribute to an improvement of about 20% fuel economy. Hydrogen tank capacity has also increased, extending the model range of 40%.

Increased production, high torque, high rpm. Quieter operation in a more compact

The new engine configuration has been developed to produce more powerful acceleration and higher top speed, as well as quieter, more luxurious ride. New feature combines the rotor and stator reluctance torque, low magnetic loss and full-band full digital vector control for high efficiency and high efficiency over a wide speed range.

The innovative shape and arrangement of the magnets in the rotor results of high performance, high torque, high-rpm performance. These innovations provide a maximum power of 100 kW, with an impressive torque and power output density. At the same time, the points of resonance in the high frequency range have been eliminated for quieter operation.

New rotor offers high efficiency, high torque, high-rpm performance

A rotor has a new interior permanent magnet (IPM) to reduce the inductance, the reluctance torque improves performance for high torque. In the high energy of the magnet features also contribute to high torque and a more compact design. These innovations result of the density-density torque output of the top 50% and 20% higher. The number of groups was also reduced and the magnet expanded to better withstand the stress, allowing the yoke to wrap around the outside of the IPM. A central rib was installed by the stiffness. This construction allows a more solid at high speed.

New stator contributes to high torque and efficiency

The stator has a low iron-loss electrical steel sheet and coils of higher density, which reduces resistance and contribute to high torque and higher output.

Reducing the number of poles to eliminate resonance points and produce quieter operation

The number of magnetic poles in the rotor was reduced from 12 to 8, which eliminates the resonance points in the range of operating speed. The result is exceptionally quiet and higher production.

Box coaxial output of the engine is transmitted directly to a significant improvement in the covenant

The rotor shaft of the motor has a hollow construction, with the axis through its center in a coaxial configuration. This system, unique electric vehicle, allowing the engine and gearbox to be combined into one compact unit, while providing highly efficient transmission of high-efficiency motor, the power at high speed to the drive shaft. Given the design of the oil seal and less innovative rotor due to friction reduction of higher transmission efficiency, capacity building of driving with a more direct feel.

Shift-by-wire for simple operation and easy

Fixed gear allows the car running very simple: It is an easy to use, shift control front, rear and the park has a light touch and a short race. The switching unit has a compact electronic control, so that the gear lever to be installed on the dashboard. Shifter, the ignition switch and the parking is easy to use. Other operating systems are also displayed in separate areas for improved ergonomics.

Power and to help the efficient regeneration with advanced lithium-ion

The compact, high performance lithium-ion battery assists the fuel for vehicles. Advanced Battery provides extra power for fuel cells and power motor torque for acceleration of off-the-line. In addition to increasing total energy capacity of the battery stores energy efficiently generated by the braking of the regeneration of the intelligent system, capturing 11% more kinetic energy than the ultra-capacitor used in the FCX 2005. About 57% of the energy of deceleration is regenerated with the new system.

Due to the higher energy storage capacity and a wider range of feedback control, it is possible to implement a system that regulates the acceleration and reduces the need for the operation of the pedal driving downhill. Evaluate the incline and speed of the vehicle, the system regulates the speed when the driver releases the accelerator pedal first, minimizing the need for frequent braking. The system simultaneously adjusts the degree of braking to help maintain a constant vehicle speed after the brake pedal input. The function is similar to engine braking in a conventionally powered vehicle, but smarter, smoother and easier to use.

Dynamics of the upper structure for pleasure comfort, safety and driving

The optimal geometry of the front and rear, as a carefully calibrated response at the foot flexibility and the length of the arc, to maximize the contact surface of the tire of the road curves extremely sensitive, stable handling. Optimization of anti-dive angle and control the behavior of the vehicle during deceleration contributes to a comfortable ride.

The lowered front suspension adds to the visual impact of the short nose design. In addition to the implementation of a five-link double wishbone rear suspension, forged aluminum lower arms, large capacity ring and bumps swingarm reduces unsprung weight gently on the road.

Power steering support spot for a radius of 5.4 and turning tight corners

Brushless motor with increased production of recent application, the front double-wishbone suspension makes sharp turns and offers a turning radius of 5.4 m, a tight turning radius because of the long distance between axles. The low inertia of the motor and minimal friction during the suspension tuning will help facilitate the management. And a tilt and telescopic steering wheel provides optimal driving position for a wide range of drivers.

Assistance with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) integrated with electric power steering (EPS) to improve management

Honda FCX Clarity is an integrated brake control, traction control and an electronic steering system that works for the concert to help the driver maintain vehicle control in emergency situations, military exercises and different road conditions. Working in collaboration with a vehicle ABS, traction control (TCS) with Vehicle Stability Assist and slideslip control (VSA), Electronic Power Steering (EPS) guidance to improve the strength to even better treatment.

Management of understeer, the EPS provides additional driving force to prevent the steering wheel would not change the engine torque is too low and the braking force applied by the inner rear wheel of the VSA.

Controlled oversteer, EPS offers a guiding force to help counter the driver generating a spin current to an outside of the front wheel brake is applied to stabilize the vehicle.

When the conditions of the road to the left and right wheels are different, the torque and the steering effort is integrated to help the driver maintain stability.

Completing a linear motor torque control, traction control provides a better grip and acceleration

Increase the responsiveness of the torque during operation TCS has made a significant contribution to the elimination of excessive resistance tires. Improvements in the global system to provide a more accurate transmission of torque and better adherence to the acceleration of confidence, even on slippery surfaces, and better control of acceleration.

The fight to protect the occupants

To improve the protection of occupants in collisions, Honda has taken the innovative technology, the body of basic network is a vehicle ahead, and other appropriate safety standards for fuel cell electric car. The vehicle was designed to comply with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety.


2011 Honda FCX Clarity

The system of fuel cell and hydrogen tank are protected by collisions in each corner.

The body is designed for the rigidity of the V Flow platform to withstand impacts from all angles

Using the power of the device in the layout, we have optimized the structure of the body. Protect passengers in the event of a frontal collision, direct front-side frame, the frame upper and lower structural parts are designed to absorb and disperse collision forces. The energy is dissipated in the face of the pillars and the floor. The lower parts of the structure are designed to prevent misalignment with the cushioning of the other vehicles. Along with energy-absorbing frame at the top, to efficiently disperse the energy in the region. This model is designed to reduce impact forces and the residents of the Honda FCX Clarity and other vehicles. Greater rigidity of the body increases the size of sophistication of the vehicle.

The design of front shock absorber improves pedestrian safety

To help protect pedestrians, we have designed the wings of the Honda FCX Clarity, the cover hinges, wiper pivots and other components more effectively absorb the impact of collisions.

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