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Volkswagen's U.s. Debut Of Zero Emission Tiguan
By Anthony Fontanelle
With the all-new 2.0 liter TSI Tiguan, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is showcasing its broad range of near-term and future fuel-efficient powertrain technology, the upcoming 2.0 liter Jetta TDI and the North American debut of the Tiguan HyMotion Fuel Cell Concept. The Tiguan HyMotion highlights the current state of Volkswagen's hydrogen fuel cell research and development. The Tiguan HyMotion features a hydrogen fuel cell system, which provides over 107 horsepower and produces zero tailpipe emissions (clean water vapor is its only bi-product).It was originally shown at the Shanghai Motor Show and the 2007 Michelin Challenge Bibendum. The innovative new Tiguan builds upon Volkswagen's ongoing development of the fuel cell as previously demonstrated with the Touran HyMotion.
With the new Tiguan utility vehicle and the Jetta TDI Volkswagen has long been committed to fuel efficient, environmentally responsible vehicles and this is evident, offered in both sedan and SportWagen body styles. These vehicles provide efficiency, utility and performance in the refinement and interior appointment that is the hallmark of all Volkswagen vehicles. The Jetta utilizing Volkswagen's TDI technology and the Tiguan the fuel efficient TSI - provide ample horsepower and prodigious torque to make the car parts sporty, efficient and fun to drive and a well-refined four cylinder turbocharged engines.
The
top speed of the Tiguan HyMotion is 93 mph and it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 14 seconds. The concept features of the Tiguan HyMotion is a fuel cell system integrated in the engine compartment capable of 107 horsepower with an assist from the electric motor, the Tiguan HyMotion advances to 134 horsepower. A lithium ion battery with a charge capacity of 6.8 Ampere-hours (Ah) serves as an auxiliary energy storage device with a maximum power output of 22 kW. By recovered braking energy (recuperation) or by the fuel cell battery is being charged. The battery system is installed in the trunk beneath the dual cargo floor available on the production Tiguan. The 700 bar hydrogen tank was integrated in the area beneath the floor in the rear bench seat and cargo area. It can hold up to 3.2 kilograms of hydrogen (H2). This increased functionality and efficiency does not impair the interior car parts space of the vehicle.
Hydrogen flows on the anode side, and air flows into the cell on the cathode side. When many of these cells are combined in a stack, enough energy can be generated to drive a vehicle. The key component of each individual fuel cell - a number of them are combined into a stack - is a proton-conducting membrane. It is located between each anode and cathode pair. In each cell, hydrogen and oxygen react to form water on the cathode side. The fuel cell thereby converts chemical energy directly into electrical energy in an oxidation, or "cold" combustion process. The generated "exhaust" is clean water vapor. The fuel cell is supplied fuel from the hydrogen tank and oxygen from the air by an external air inlet and outputs the electrical energy it generates - the power - via a converter and a downstream electrical system rectifier - to one or more electric motors. The Tiguan HyMotion is nearly silent when driven, and it is emissions-free.
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
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