Singapore F-Cell test evaluation produces positive results
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
One year since the practical fleet-testing program for fuel- cell (F-Cell) cars has hit Singapore roads, evaluation results show that such vehicles are feasible in the future.
In the middle of last year, DaimlerChrysler deployed six Mercedes-BEnz A-Class cars powered by fuel cells, or hydrogen- based fuel, in Singapore, to gain empirical evidence for the development of such vehicles and to define international standards.
"Based on the results in Singapore, our company is convinced that this really is the car of the future," DaimlerChrysler Program Leader of the Singapore Fuel Cell Fleet project, Udo Loersch, told a recent technology symposium held in Jakarta.
DaimlerChrysler's Southeast Asia office and Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) are using the first two F-Cell cars deployed in the city-state.
The other four are used by BP Singapore, the Conrad Centennial Singapore hotel, Lufthansa German Airlines and Michelin Asia- Pacific, for a variety of operational activities.
"Based on these we are evaluating the fuel consumption, lifespan and operational strategy of the hydrogen-powered cars. The conclusion is these cars provide a range of advantages," Udo said, highlighting the results of the one-year test.
First, the car produces pure water as a result of mixing hydrogen and oxygen. Second, the engine produces no sound, as it is powered by a battery and chemical reaction. And third -- most importantly -- it produces zero emissions.
DaimlerChrysler, as well as other car manufacturers such as Toyota and Honda, have chosen hydrogen as the future fuel because it is environmentally friendly.
At present, the German car manufacturer has 100 F-Cell vehicles across the world and has invested one billion euro in development of the green technology.
The technology is considered environmentally friendly because it uses hydrogen that is stored in fuel-cell stacks, and oxygen (taken from the air) as fuel, producing only water and heat as its sole combustion output.
On the other hand, the report said the disadvantages included a short range of travel and a lack of refilling stations.
Each F-Cell car carries 1.8 kilograms of hydrogen, of which 1.2 kg is used per 100 kilometers. "Therefore, at present, the driving range is only about 150 km," Udo said, adding that a study was being carried out to seek a solution.
Another problem was that, at present, only one refueling station was available on the island. It opened at the same time that the Singapore F-Cell project started -- in the middle of last year, he said.
Udo, who is also DaimlerChrysler Southeast Asia's vice president for external affairs, said that in response to the problem, the Singapore government would set up another station in August.
"The new station will be more advanced. It will produce its own hydrogen," said Udo, adding that the investor built the infrastructure because the Singapore government had offered a variety of incentives.
Furthermore, the first-ever maintenance facility for F-Cell cars in Southeast Asia has been available since last year.
Located at the Mercedes-Benz service center in Pandan Loop, the facility will function as a regular servicing and repair center for the six F-Cell A-Class cars.
However, concerns were raised at the symposium on the safety of such vehicles because people saw hydrogen as a flammable chemical element.
Peter Froeschle of DaimlerChrysler's Research and Technology said that the company had performed a series of tests on the cars, such as firing a bullet into the fuel-cell stack that stored hydrogen.
"I can assure you that the car is as safe as any other," he told The Jakarta Post in a recent interview.
He added that F-Cell cars in Singapore were equipped with hydrogen detection leakage panels located in eight spots inside and outside the cabins.
For now, Peter said, the main concern of car manufacturers was to mass-produce the cars and sell them at a competitive price. (006)