The anatomy of the Hyundai ix35
In creating the ix35 Fuel Cell, Hyundai’s engineers have ensured that the installation of the fuel cell stack, hydrogen tanks, batteries and other key control systems have not impacted the usability of the car.
The fuel cell is located under the bonnet. The high voltage battery and inverter system are housed in a waterproof casing underneath the vehicle and mid mounted for optimum weight distribution. The major components of the fuel cell itself are the negatively charged anode and a positively charged cathode, with a proton exchange membrane (or PEM) sandwiched between the two.
The main compartments of the ix35 Fuel Cell are the electric motor, battery and hydrogen tank.
1. Hydrogen stored in the tank is supplied to the fuel cell stack.
2. An inflow of air is supplied to the fuel cell stack.
3. The reaction of air with hydrogen in the fuel cell stack generates electricity and water.
4. Generated electricity is supplied to the electric motor.
5. Water is emitted.
When hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank enters the fuel cell stack, it is broken down into protons and electrons. This flow of electrons created in the fuel cell is what provides electricity. The protons react with oxygen molecules in the air, generating heat and water. Electricity generated by the fuel cell is first transmitted to the inverter and then to the motor, which then creates power, turning the wheels, making the vehicle move.