Passenger cart project

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Vehicles that can operate both indoors and outdoors can play a significant role in preparing the way for public acceptance of new energy technologies. Passenger carts commonly used in airports and public sites to facilitate the movement of elderly and disabled people, are generally powered by battery packs which feature a long recharging time.
The passenger cart developed by the International Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies (ICHET) is a means of demonstrating how hydrogen and fuel cell technologies can be beneficial to the general public. An important part of the Centre’s mission is the support of hydrogen energy related curricula in universities and schools. In collaboration with the Electrical Engineering Department of Yildiz Technical University, the cart has been integrated and optimized by graduate research students. In the longer term, the prototype is hoped to encourage the development and manufacturing of similar vehicles by Turkish automotive companies. Starting in June 2008, the project was completed on March 2009 in the ICHET workshops by modifying a commercially available vehicle to accept a 2 kW fuel-cell together with the necessary fuelling options and controls.
Primary drive power is provided by a 2 kW fuel cell stack with batteries providing the extra current needed to start the vehicle. Control hardware and software enable the hybrid battery-fuel cell vehicle to function smoothly and reliably. Hydrogen is stored in metal hydride cylinders and supplied to the fuel cell as needed. Provided the hydrogen is produced from renewable energy sources, this is truly a a zero emission vehicle.
The project demonstrates that hydrogen fuel cells can successfully be integrated into passenger carts, similar to those commonly operating in airports with the practical experience gained from the assembly and integration of the various systems helping to provide Turkish students with techniques that will stand them well in their future careers. The vehicle is to be demonstrated at various public exhibitions including Hannover in April 2009 where ICHET will seek sponsors to help fund future development work.

System specifications

  • Passengers: 2 (4 after modification)
  • 2.6 kw (3.5 hp) DC Electrical Motor
  • 2 kw PEM Fuel Cell Unit and its Controller
  • 1.5 kw gel battery (backup power)
  • Max. speed 25 km/h
  • Weight 250 kg