In order to achieve weight savings, increased compactness, and higher power output from the fuel cell stack that functions as the core technology for a fuel cell vehicle, Honda has employed a unique configuration in the development of its new V Flow FC stack. The development of the new FC stack has enabled the realization of a V Flow FC platform in which the FC stack is positioned in the center tunnel. This has in turn enabled the use of a full sedan layout.Based on a V Flow cell structure and wave flow channel separators, and employing a one-box stack configuration, the V Flow FC stack achieves a 50% increase in volume output density and 67% increase in weight output density against the previous FC stack. In addition, the new configuration has increased water drainage capacity, which has reduced heat mass and resulted in enhanced low-temperature startability. Continuous production and automated layering of the MEA and separators that comprise the cells, in addition to a reduction in the number of parts, have enabled the achievement of increased productivity.
Article of Honda R&D Technical Review Vol.21 No.1 (16 - 23)