PANDA HYDROGEN: THE VEHICLE

The Panda Hydrogen features 'hybrid full power' architecture. The stack (i.e. the heart of the Fuel Cell electrical generation system) is connected directly to the electrical traction engine and supplies the vehicle with all the power required. A small battery pack cuts in to add extra energy during car acceleration and improve overall system performance. The use of batteries allows part of the kinetic braking energy to be recovered. This aids start-up in cold climates and also allows high efficiency levels to be achieved.

The stack is located beneath the bonnet and consists of several electrolytic cells connected in series. Inside, hydrogen and oxygen atoms combine with the aid of a catalytic converter to produce water and heat and also generate electrical energy with zero emissions.

The system is supplied with hydrogen at a pressure of 1.5 bar and produces, from oxygen contained in air (also compressed), electrical energy with a maximum power of 40 kW with a high rate of efficiency (65% at 20% of maximum power). The electric engine is three-phase asynchronous alternating current type, the transmission and battery pack are located at the rear of the car beneath the luggage compartment.

The hydrogen that feeds the Fuel Cell is contained at a pressure of 350 bar in two tanks made out of composite material installed beneath the floorpan: the first is in the central tunnel while the second is located near the rear seat. All the distinguishing features of the New Panda passenger compartment are therefore maintained, including the outstanding roominess of the standard production model.

The system is completed by auxiliary circuits to supply the hydrogen, manage the air and water and cool the stack.