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Mazda to Provide 30 RX-8 Hydrogen RE Vehicles |
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| The hybrid drive for the Hydrogen RE Hybrid. Click to enlarge. |
Mazda will provide 30 RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicles to Norway’s HyNor project (earlier post) starting in 2008. Mazda Chairman Hisakazu Imaki made the announcement at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The HyNor project is a unique Norwegian joint industry initiative,
covering a route of 580 kilometers from Oslo to Stavanger, which aims
to demonstrate the real life implementation of a hydrogen energy
transport infrastructure. The signing ceremony is scheduled to take
place on November 7, 2007 at the Norwegian embassy in Tokyo.
Mazda is highlighting the new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid at the Tokyo show. (Earlier post.)
The company is advancing the development of this vehicle and is hoping
to commence commercial leasing during fiscal 2008, according to Imaki.
The new rotary-engined hybrid doubles the hydrogen fuel range from 100
to around 200 kilometers (164 miles).
Output of the evolved power unit is increased by 40% compared with
the RX-8 Hydrogen RE resulting in much better acceleration performance.
The hydrogen rotary engine, the core unit of the model, is changed from
a longitudinal to a transverse layout and its intake/exhaust resistance
and combustion efficiency are improved to yield high output across a
wide range of engine speeds.
In addition, Mazda developed a new concept hybrid system to match
the new hydrogen rotary engine. The conventional hydrogen rotary engine
has problems of low torque and poor combustion efficiency in the low
rev range. The hybrid system uses the hydrogen engine to power a
generator to produce electricity that powers a 110 kW peak electric
motor. The system delivers quick response for driving performance
allied with low fuel consumption.
| Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid Operating Modes |
| Condition | Power source |
| Pulling away from stop |
Battery power |
| Regular steady running |
Hydrogen rotary engine and generator power |
| Acceleration |
Hydrogen rotary engine/generator power + battery power |
| Deceleration |
Regenerated by motor during braking and engine braking |
| Stationary |
Hydrogen rotary engine stops idling unless the battery needs recharging. |
Acceleration kicks in the instant you hit the accelerator, creating
a dynamic feeling from the synchronized engine and motor power.
The main components of hybrid system—the hydrogen rotary engine and
generator, inverter, motor, and lithium-ion battery pack—are controlled
to generate electricity, recharge and discharge the battery in
accordance with driving conditions.
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