Toyota claims to have “demonstrated the potential utility of hydrogen expertise” by utilizing a stationary fuel-cell energy era unit at an AFL sport.
The hydrogen fuel-cell system powered the brash Marvel Stadium signal and Western Bulldogs coaches’ field, throughout final weekend’s AFL match between the ‘Canines and Melbourne Demons.
Dubbed the EODev GEH2, or EODev for brief, this stationary hydrogen fuel-cell unit makes use of the identical gas cell because the Toyota Mirai fuel-cell electrical car (FCEV).
Toyota says the EODev is able to producing roughly 80kW of energy, however solely 10 to fifteen per cent of this capability was required this time.
Operating within the lead-up and throughout the sport, the EODev supplied 105kWh of electrical energy over seven hours and used a complete of 6kg of hydrogen.
Toyota claims by utilizing the EODev unit as a substitute of energy off the grid, it saved roughly 100kg of CO2 emissions.
Toyota Australia supervisor of power options Matt Macleod mentioned this demonstration of the EODev unit was speculated to showcase the broader purposes of hydrogen fuel-cell expertise past the transport sector.
“Toyota sees hydrogen gas cells as a key supply of fresh, renewable electrical power going ahead, as evidenced by autos just like the Mirai FCEV,” mentioned Mr Macleod.
“Partnering with the AFL to assist energy the Spherical 19 video games at Marvel Stadium reveals the unimaginable scope this expertise has, all whereas producing no CO2 emissions.”
Along with having the GODev unit powering the Marvel Stadium signal and Western Bulldogs coaches’ field, Toyota had an activation show that had a cross-section of a previous-generation Mirai and its FCEV powertrain on present.
The Mirai can maintain as much as 5.6kg of pressurised hydrogen in its three tanks and be stuffed up in 5 minutes, in keeping with Toyota. When oxygen meets saved hydrogen, the chemical response creates electrical energy to (on this case) drive the wheels, with water the principle tailpipe emission.
It will possibly cowl a claimed 650km per fill, however a workforce within the US ‘hypermiling’ not too long ago set a brand new world report distance of 1360km on a single tank of hydrogen.
Energy is dealt with by a single rear-mounted electrical motor producing roughly 134kW of energy and 300Nm of torque. The claimed 0-100km/h dash time is 9.2 seconds and the highest pace is 175km/h.
The Mirai additionally has a 1.2kWh lithium-ion battery for storing power produced by the gas cell and regenerative braking.
It’s value noting the Toyota Mirai is barely out there for fleets and never for client buying in any respect.
Apart from Toyota, different producers resembling BMW, Hyundai and Land Rover are seen as backers of hydrogen fuel-cell expertise.
In distinction, Mercedes-Benz has moved away from hydrogen in all however its heavy business autos, and the respective heads of Volkswagen and Tesla, have beforehand labelled FCEVs a distraction.
Hydrogen continues to be a burgeoning gas supply in Australia, and at this stage is known to be most viable in large-scale, business makes use of.
There are presently two publicly-available hydrogen refuelling stations in Australia. One is operated by Toyota in Altona, Victoria, and the opposite is operated by ActewAGL in Canberra. Each serve authorities or council fleets of passenger automobiles.
Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland not too long ago introduced they’re collaborating on a renewable hydrogen refuelling superhighway to attach the nation’s jap seaboard.
As much as six stations are being developed in Queensland, every of which is led by a distinct firm. One in all these stations goes to be at a BP truck cease on the Port of Brisbane.
The Albanese Federal Authorities additionally has a Hydrogen Highways plan, to ship hydrogen refuelling stations alongside Australia’s busiest freight routes to help fuel-cell vehicles.
MORE: Hydrogen superhighway to hyperlink Victoria with Queensland
