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• Ford Th!nk FC5

Ford Th!nk FC5

Based on the 2000 Ford Focus, the TH!NK FC5 (Fuel Cell - 5th generation) offers a realistic vision of what a four-door family sedan could be in the near future. With electric power from the latest generation fuel cell technology, this engineering prototype will deliver exceptional fuel efficiency and ultra low emissions, while providing similar range, top speed and performance to today's gasoline models.

Currently, fuel cells offer the most promising solution for next generation family vehicles. Fuel cells generate electricity by electrochemically combining oxygen with hydrogen. The process is efficient, silent and without combustion. In the TH!NK FC5, the hydrogen is extracted from methanol, which is readily available, easily stored and handled and produces very low emissions. Utilizing methanol, the fuel cell system reduces emissions dramatically compared to a conventional gasoline vehicle. Moreover, there are virtually no carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides or particulates, which are major contributors to urban smog.

Methanol is also a highly practical source of hydrogen. It is comparable in cost to gasoline and diesel, though Ford Motor Company's objective is to make fuel cell powertrains 50 percent more efficient than either of those fuels. In addition, methanol is liquid under normal conditions, so refueling is identical to filling up with gasoline. Adding methanol capacity to existing fuel stations is relatively simple. Therefore, the necessary infrastructure could be developed swiftly and economically. Finally, while methanol is most commonly derived from natural gas, it can also be produced from plant material such as seaweed, wood pulp and organic waste (known as biomass sources). These biomass sources are renewable resources, which would help preserve earth's finite fossil fuel stocks.

TH!NK FC5 Utilitizes Methanol Reformer On the FC5, the methanol is stored in an onboard tank. From there, the fuel passes through a 'reformer', which extracts the pure hydrogen required to react with oxygen. The hydrogen, as the gaseous fuel, and oxygen, supplied in the form of compressed air, flow separately into the latest generation compact fuel cell stack, manufactured by Ballard Power Systems of Vancouver, Canada. The stack comprises several hundred individual fuel cells, in which the hydrogen and oxygen are combined, producing electricity, heat and water. Each cell generates about one volt. The direct current (DC) from the fuel cells is then converted into alternating current (AC), powering the electric motor.

The TH!NK FC5 has been designed to maximize interior space and ergonomics. Driver and passenger comfort are not compromised in order to accommodate the fuel cell system and there is usable rear storage.

Year:	2000	Engine:	Electrochemical
Power:	n/a	Transmission:	n/a
0-60:	n/a	Top speed:	n/a

Related Links

The Ford Website
http://www.ford.co.uk