"f-cell 2007": Fuel Cells in Motion

Stuttgart (eos) – Hydrogen-operated fuel cells are causing a stir not only within developers’ circles, but also in the automobiles and aircraft that are making an appearance at this year’s “f-cell” (short for fuel cell), a fuel cell forum taking place September 24-25 in Stuttgart. “The symposium lectures and exhibits at the trade fair demonstrate what fuel cells can achieve today,” says Peter Sauber, Managing Director of the Peter Sauber Agentur Messen und Kongresse GmbH in Gerlingen, which is organizing this industry event with the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation for the seventh time. Organizers of this year’s “fcell” are focusing on mobile application of environmentally-friendly energy converters and are cooperating with DaimlerChrysler AG and the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment.

Passenger cars with fuel cells around Stuttgart

Whereas earlier prototypes of fuel cell cars could be recognized as test vehicles by the compressed gas tanks containing the required hydrogen that were installed on the roof, current models cannot be distinguished from well-known gasoline or diesel automobiles. The difference between the Mercedes-Benz A-Class F-Cell and a traditional A-Class is most readily noticeable by the way the car glides almost soundlessly and in that steam, instead of exhaust, is emitted from the exhaust pipe. Whoever has trouble believing this will have the opportunityto see it up close during this year’s “f-cell”: an A-Class with an F-Cell label will be driving at the House of Trade in Stuttgart.

B-Class F-Cell lets you take a look inside

The fuel cell automobiles are almost ripe for the market. Nevertheless, a few challenges must first be overcome, including service life extension and cost reduction. DaimlerChrysler is working to achieve this with a follow-up model to the A-Class F-Cell – the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell, which, for example, distinguishes itself through a clearly longer range per tank. A cross-section model can be viewed at the trade fair. “This is exciting, because fuel cell autos are ultimately differentiated through their inner workings,” explains event organizer Sauber, who is inviting pre-registered interested parties to visit the trade fair for free. You can register at the event homepage at www.f-cell.de.

Energy-saving vehicles use 0.04 liter per 100 kilometers

Experimental vehicles from student teams at the University of Chemnitz and the University of Offenburg also have a good chance of becoming popular event favorites. The Chemnitz team (with the fitting name “Fortis Saxonia”) will simultaneously introduce two fuel cell-operated “eco-mobiles”. Over the past few years, “Sax 1” and “Sax 2” have both successfully participated in the Shell Eco-Marathon held in Nogaro, France. The Offenburg energy-saving vehicle, with its somewhat misleading name “Schluckspecht” (“boozer”), can also look back on a successful eco-marathon career. This alternative competition is won by the car that can cover the longest distance with the energy equivalent of one liter of gasoline. “Sax 1” managed 1,742 km, “Sax 2” came in with 2,552 km, and the “Schluckspecht” achieved a proud 2,716 km. These energy-saving vehicles, however, are not only for fun and popularizing fuel cells – above all, they also serve as the sponsors’ platform for on-road testing of their components.

Aircraft with fuel cell drives

In the future, scientists at the University of Stuttgart want to send a newly developed, manned light plane with fuel cell drive into the skies that can compete with traditional two-seaters. Fuel cells combined with an electric motor is the most consistent and effective drive concept for an environmentally-friendly aircraft, explains the development team that has already named the planned product “Hydrogenius”. A large “Hydrogenius” model will be on display at the “f-cell”, giving visitors a realistic impression of the future aircraft. A hydrogen and fuel cell-driven (unmanned) HyFish model from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) will also be on display at the “f-cell”. The model is 1.2 meters long and weighs 6 kilograms and recently took its maiden voyage. A seven-minute video of this recent flight will be played for those interested. In the area for aeronautical applications, the DLR has achieved an important milestone together with Airbus: for the first time, the scientists tested a fuel cell system in their own DLR research aircraft ATRA (A320). Initial results of this test will be presented in a symposium lecture.

Presentations on fuel cells in motion

Fuel cells will not only be in motion at the “f-cell” trade fair – the lecture program also mirrors this year’s focus. On the second day of the convention, participants will learn about the latest developments from four automobile manufacturers: in addition to DaimlerChrysler, Volkswagen, General Motors, and Fiat will also be represented. Additional discussions will cover fuel cell applications in aeronautics and the Danish hydrogen train.