Toyota claims to have “demonstrated the potential application of hydrogen technology” using a stationary fuel cell power generation unit at an AFL game.
The hydrogen fuel cell device powers the Marvel Stadium sign and the Western Bulldogs trainer box, during last weekend’s AFL game between the ‘Dogs and the Melbourne Demons.
Dubbed EODev GEH2or EODev for short, this stationary hydrogen fuel cell unit uses the same fuel cell as Toyota Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).
Toyota says EODev has production capabilities about 80kW power, but this time only 10 to 15% of the capacity is needed.
Running in the lead and throughout the match, EODev delivered 105kWh of electricity in seven hours and used a total of 6kg of hydrogen.
Toyota claims that by using the EODev device instead of disconnecting the grid, it has saved about 100kg of CO2 emissions.
Toyota Australia’s director of energy solutions, Matt Macleod, said the demonstration by the EODev unit is intended to showcase broader applications of hydrogen fuel cell technology beyond the transport sector.
“Toyota sees hydrogen fuel cells as the main source of clean, renewable electric energy in the future, as evidenced by vehicles like the Mirai FCEV,” said Mr. Macleod.
“Partnering with AFL to support Round 19 games at Marvel Stadium demonstrates the incredible scope this technology has, while also producing zero CO2 emissions.”
In addition to the GODev division powering the Marvel Stadium sign and the Western Bulldogs trainer box, Toyota also has the cross-sectional trigger screen of the previous generation Mirai and its FCEV powertrain.
According to Toyota, the Mirai can hold up to 5.6kg of pressurized hydrogen in its three tanks and be filled within 5 minutes. When oxygen meets stored hydrogen, a chemical reaction generates electricity that (in this case) drives the wheels, with water being the main exhaust from the exhaust.
It can cover the claimed 650 km per fill, but a team in the US ‘hypermiling’ recently established a New world record distance 1360km on a hydrogen tank.
Power is handled by a single rear-mounted electric motor that produces approximately 134kW of power and 300Nm of torque. The claimed 0-100km/h sprint time is 9.2 seconds and the top speed is 175km/h.
The Mirai also has a 1.2kWh lithium-ion battery to store the energy generated by the fuel cell and regenerative braking.
It should be noted that the Toyota Mirai is only available to fleets of vehicles and is not intended for consumer purchase at all.
Besides Toyota, other manufacturers such as BMW car, Hyundai and Land Rover are considered proponents of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Opposite, Mercedes-Benz has left hydrogen in all heavy commercial vehicles, and the respective heads of Volkswagen and Teslapreviously labeled FCEVs as a distraction.
Hydrogen remains a burgeoning fuel source in Australia, and at this stage is understood to be most viable for large-scale, commercial uses.
There are currently two publicly announced hydrogen refueling stations in Australia. One is run by Toyota in Altona, Victoriaand the other is operated by ActewAGL in Canberra. Both serve government or council passenger convoys.
Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland have recently announced that they are collaborating on a super highway refueling renewable hydrogen to connect the east sea of the country.
Up to six stations are under development in Queensland, each led by a different company. One of these stations will be at BP truck stops at Port of Brisbane.
The Federal Government of Albanese also has Hydrogen Highway planprovides hydrogen refueling stations along Australia’s busiest freight routes to support fuel cell trucks.
THAN: The hydrogen superhighway connects Victoria to Queensland
