Toyota Develops Packaged Fuel Cell System Module to Promote the Hydrogen Utilization

 

 TOYOTA

Toyota  Motor  Corporation Toyota Develops Packaged Fuel Cell System Module to Promote the Hydrogen Utilization toward the Achievement of Carbon Neutrality Integrates Main Components such as Fuel Cell Stack into Compact Package, Making it Easily Adaptable to a Variety of Products Toyota City, Japan, February 26, 2021―Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has developed a product that packages a fuel cell (FC) system into a compact module and plans to begin selling it in the spring of  2021  or  later. The  new  module  will  be  easily  utilized  by  companies  that  are  developing  and  manufacturing FC products for wide variety of applications, including mobility such as trucks, buses, trains and ships, as well as stationary generators (referred to hereafter as "FC product companies").  As  various  policies  for  utilizing  hydrogen  have  been  adopted in  recent  years  in  each  country  and  region and many companies have been entering the market one after another. As a result, the need for hydrogen and FC technologies has been increasing in a variety of applications. In addition to its effort to popularize FCEVs, Toyota will continue to strengthen its initiatives as an FC system supplier to promote hydrogen utilization through the popularization of FC products together with various FC product companies with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions to curtail global warming and to contribute to the achievement of carbon neutrality. Toyota has been taking various initiatives toward the creation of a hydrogen society, such as selling the "Mirai"  FCEV and the "SORA"  FCEV bus, selling FC systems to FC product companies, as well as  allowing  royalty-free  use  of  its  FCEV - related  patent  licenses.  Through these experiences,  the company  has  learned  that  many companies  involved  in  FC  products  in  a  variety  of  industries  are looking for FC systems that can be easily adapted to their own products.Therefore, to address  these  needs,  Toyota has developed a  product  that  packages individual  FC system-related products of second generation Toyota Mirai with enhanced performance, such as the FC stack, as well as components that handle air supply, hydrogen supply, cooling, and power control, into a single compact module. The new module is available in four models―a vertical type (Type I) and a horizontal type (Type II), with rated output of either 60 kW or 80 kW. 

2 / Toyota developed the FC module utilizing technologies it cultivated through its development of FCEVs over  many  years,  as  well  as  the  knowledge and expertise accumulated  in  a  variety  of  usage  environments around the world and utilized in the Mirai. The following section describes the specific features of the module:1.

The new module has a wide voltage range (400 to 750 V) and can be directly connected to an existing electrical instrument provided with a motor, inverter, and battery, etc., thanks to a built-in, dedicated  FC  boost converter  that  simplifies  the  development  and  manufacture  of  FC products. In addition, the system's  modularization greatly improves convenience.-The four module models can be combined according to the application, flexibly adapting to the output level and amount of installation space available. -Modularization  eliminates  the  need  to  create  designs  for individually  installing  FC  system-related components  and  to connect individual components.  It   also  integrates  and decreases the number of locations the module must be connected to a device, allowing for easy installation.
 

3 / 42. Excellent safety/reliability and support structure for peace of mind during use-To  ensure  safety  related  to  the  use  of  hydrogen and  high  voltage,  the  countermeasures cultivated during  the  development  of  electrified  vehicles  such  as  FCEVs  and  HEVs  were implemented.  These  measures  are  based  on  the  basic  approach  of  ensuring  that  hydrogen does not leak and, in the unlikely event that any leaks should occur, ensuring their immediate detection and stoppage.-The module was designed to work in a broad range of operating environments, ensuring system operation at low or high temperature, at higher altitude where the oxygen level is lower, and under applications involving vibration.-When FC product companies decide to utilize the module, they have the option to request the support of highly experienced engineers in determining optimal layout and design according to fuel economy, usage duration, and running cost, etc.3. Excellent basic performance (high output and economical efficiency)-Capitalizing  on  the  characteristics  of  the  compact  Toyota  FC  system,  which  eliminated  the  humidifier by circulating the water generated during power generation inside the FC stack, the new module has achieved a world-class, top level output density per unit volume.-The maintenance requirements of the new module are simple and infrequent, helping to reduce the total cost, from procurement and usage, to disposal.*This module is scheduled to be exhibited at the Fuel Cell Expo (FC EXPO) to be held at Tokyo Big Sight (Koto-ku, Tokyo) from March 3-5, 2021. 

4 / 4Toyota  Motor  Corporation  works  to  develop  and  manufacture  innovative,  safe  and  high-quality  products  and  services  that  create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement  comes  from  supporting  our  customers,  partners,  employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today,  as  we  transform  into  a  mobility  company  developing  connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.SDG's Initiatives: https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/SDGs goals that this project makes particular contribution to:

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Mercury introduces its next generation Digital Throttle & Shift system Upgraded controls combine enhanced ergonomics with responsive performance and a refined user experience FOND DU LAC, Wis. (Feb. 12, 2021) Mercury Marine®, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), today introduced the next generation of its Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) system with integrated, intuitive and intelligent technology that enhances the boating experience. The Next Gen DTS system comes with all the best attributes of the successful DTS system that Mercury launched in 2004, including smooth and ultra responsive throttle performance with zero hesitation and full integration with SmartCraft® digital technologies. Representing a major step in the product’s evolution, the Next Gen DTS system brings together an enhanced operating system, improved ergonomic designs for the electronic remote controls (ERC) and additional user friendly features. The new system is replacing the former control system for use with all DTS compatible Mercury sterndrive, inboard, diesel and outboard engines. The Verado® engine family, including the all new V12 600hp Verado outboard, comes standard with Next Gen DTS controls. “When we were creating the Next Gen Digital Throttle & Shift system, we aimed to improve the boating experience with an intuitive design and simpler access to the features boaters use most often,” said Tyler Mehrl, category manager for steering and controls at Mercury. Included among the enhancements, Active Trim activation and adjustment buttons are now integrated on the Next Gen DTS control base, eliminating the need for an additional control panel on the dash. Active Trim automatically and continuously adjusts engine trim based on changes in GPS speed to improve performance, fuel economy and ease of operation. Next Gen DTS leverages a robust operating system that not only supports basic functions but also has been upgraded to intelligently and automatically enhance throttle control for connected SmartCraft systems such as Joystick Piloting and Skyhook®. The new ERC lineup offers solutions for boat engine configurations ranging from one to six Mercury engines. For single-engine configurations, there are panel- and console mount controls. For multi engine configurations, boaters can choose the standard dual handle console mount controls or the Premier dual handle model, which includes an innovative digital display integrated into the control base. The display provides a broad variety of context sensitive information to help the boater stay fully connected with the propulsion system through all phases of boat operation. Each control has the same sleek, chrome-on-black aesthetics and dynamic styling that are consistent with the current “Mercury DNA” overseen by Todd Dannenberg, Mercury director of industrial design. “The ergonomics provide a very natural connection that invites the boater to push the throttle and feel the engine’s power. Plus, there are intuitive new features that improve the user experience, which we derived through intensive usability testing,” Dannenberg said. Additional features include a green neutral indicator light on the throttle handle(s) that quickly confirms gear position, a convenient throttle-only feature for starting and warming the engine(s), a large start/stop button and an oversized trim switch. Multi-engine controls have a start/stop-all button for all engines and buttons for starting and stopping individual engines, as well as the ability to trim all or individual engines. Single-engine controls are available with a Quick Steer button on boats that have the Mercury Single Outboard Electric Steering system installed. Quick Steer — an industry first technology — enhances steering control for low speed, close quarters maneuvering. This setting provides full turning capacity for the boat with only a quarter-turn of the steering wheel to the left or right. The enhanced steering authority eases the process of docking and maneuvering in tight spaces. “We incorporated an incredible range of features designed to improve the experience of operating single- and multi engine boats,” said Mehrl. “The intuitive design means there’s very little learning curve to be able to enjoy a huge performance advantage.” The next generation of Digital Throttle & Shift will be available in EMEA markets from Q3 2021.

 

 

 

 

Mercury Marine introduces the all new V12 600hp Verado engine - redefining outboard performance FOND DU LAC, Wis. (Feb. 11, 2021) Mercury Marine®, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), today introduced the new 7.6 liter V12 600hp Verado® outboard engine. With this launch, Mercury continues to transform the high-horsepower outboard market, providing its most powerful and capable outboard, which includes several industry first features for a wide variety of applications. “With boats continuing to grow bigger and performance expectations continuing to rise, boaters have been asking for a better, more capable high horsepower solution to meet their needs. The V12 Verado outboard is Mercury’s answer,” said Chris Drees, Mercury Marine president. “Using our advanced engineering and design capabilities, we completely redefined outboard performance. The V12 Verado outboard delivers boaters unrivaled freedom, luxury and power to pursue their passions on the water. This is a remarkable engine that will change the future of boating.” Groundbreaking product innovations include the following: The world’s first V12 outboard, the 600hp Verado engine features a naturally aspirated, large displacement, quad cam powerhead that generates impressive torque to get heavy boats out of the hole and on plane quickly, and to accelerate up to rated speed rapidly. The industry’s first two speed automatic transmission for an outboard optimizes engine rpm according to workload, facilitating powerful acceleration and highly efficient performance at cruise. The industry’s first steerable gearcase on an outboard pivots independently underwater while the engine’s powerhead remains in a space saving fixed position. This provides more room for multi engine configurations and a wider steering angle for agile handling. With help from contra rotating propellers, it also has better “bite” in the water for docking and other close quarters maneuvering. Several enhanced Mercury technologies work in conjunction to enable the V12 Verado outboard to deliver exceptional fuel economy and range. “The V12 Verado outboard delivers everything boaters want and more in a high-horsepower outboard. This engine makes boats easy to maneuver near the dock and provides superior handling at all speeds. It’s incredibly fuel efficient, so boaters can go farther and stay out longer. It’s so smooth and quiet that you can have a conversation while the engines are running. It’s durable, reliable and easy to maintain. There’s nothing else like the V12 Verado in the marketplace today,” Drees said. The development of the V12 Verado outboard is a product of Mercury’s continued commitment to investing in R&D and manufacturing expansion, which includes more than $1.5 billion of investment since 2008. “We’ve dedicated substantial investments and years of effort toward enhancing our ability to turn highly creative ideas into practical, functional and dependable solutions,” said Tim Reid, Mercury Marine vice president of development and engineering. “That work has positioned us well to anticipate and respond to shifts in the marketplace. We listened carefully to boaters’ needs and wishes, and we created new product capabilities aimed at exceeding their highest expectations.” The Mercury Marine V12 Verado outboard will be available in EMEA markets from summer 2021. For more information, visit mercurymarine.com/v12.