VW Diesel Hybrid coming!!! 69.9 mpg - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Dee8go · #31 02-29-2008, 11:21 AM

What IS a fuel cell, exactly? I hear the term a lot, but don't really know what it means.

pawoSD · #32 02-29-2008, 11:31 AM

Huh, I wasn't aware that they were actively using fuel cell subs. Cool.

A fuel cell is a device that takes a fuel (can be hydrogen, natural gas...etc) and breaks the fuel down. "In essence, a fuel cell works by catalysis, separating the component electrons and protons of the reactant fuel, and forcing the electrons to travel through a circuit, hence converting them to electrical power. "

Simply stated thats how they work. For more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_cell

vstech · #33 02-29-2008, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

Yes, that is amazing. I always assumed that locomotives would be about as efficient as they could possibly be just because of the economics of the shipping industry.

So, you're saying the Volt is a series hybrid?

http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2007/01/10-chevrolet-volt-concept/
and here it even says series hybrid AND says it can be configured to run on biodiesel??? how?
http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/0704_2007_chevrolet_volt_concept/index.html

and here too, biodiesel or ethanol...
http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/gms-new-biodiesel-and-battery-powered-chevrolet-volt/

and here also...
http://www.wired.com/cars/futuretransport/news/2007/01/72424
I would really like to know how this car runs on gas, diesel or bio...
that sounds very interesting...

OK, this one makes more sense... different motors...and diesel not in US versions...
http://www.gm-volt.com/index.php?s=biodiesel

DieselAddict · #34 02-29-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

on the diesel, they may opt to just leave it running, at idle, there is almost no fuel consumed. of course, they could easily start it with that 80 or so HP electric motor hanging off the back... engine would only start when the car is moving above like 35 or so, kinda like tow starting with onboard motor... don't forget, the newer diesels with DI start MUCH quicker than our old IDI ones do... plus they don't usually need a glow. heat element in the air intake usually does it.
I think I asked a similar question last year when the diesel hybrids were discussed.

Diesel engines still consume considerable amounts of fuel when idling. Ever done a diesel purge? You are correct that the newer engines with DI usually don't need a glow, but I'm not aware of any heat element in the intake. They do have glow plugs which at least on the TDI become useful when starting the engine cold at 45F or below. Above that the air in a DI engine is warm enough to cause the fuel to ignite because unlike in an IDI engine there are no prechambers that soak up the heat.

bob_98sr5 · #35 02-29-2008, 02:55 PM

i'd definitely consider buying this vehicle in a few years or similar diesel/battery cell car. i am not surprised to see VW taking the lead on this type of vehicle.

compress ignite · #36 02-29-2008, 04:40 PM

I know you've all seen this.
But, In case somebody missed it...

pj67coll · #37 02-29-2008, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I am despaired to imagine that politicians will ever much (or very many of them) be influenced by science!

Tom W

Not just politicians I'm afraid. I've often wondered why the hell the entire southwest is not a solar power generator facility. If every roof in Phoenix, Tucson, LA, San Diego, Dallas, Albuquerque, and surrounding areas for starters were solar panels would that not provide a pretty damm huge boost to the national grid at the cost of no pollution whatever?

- Peter.

rwthomas1 · #38 02-29-2008, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbodeezl

Not so. The Germans(go figure) have developed the most advanced and silent subs in the world. They operate on fuel cells

Actually not so either. The British now have the largest, fastest and most quiet sub ever built. Nuclear powered.

RT

DieselAddict · #39 02-29-2008, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compress ignite

I know you've all seen this.
But, In case somebody missed it...

I sure missed that one. A C-class diesel would be very nice regardless of whether it's a hybrid or not. I'd probably just prefer the plain diesel.

pj67coll · #40 02-29-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwthomas1

Actually not so either. The British now have the largest, fastest and most quiet sub ever built. Nuclear powered.

RT

Which class?

- Peter.

rwthomas1 · #41 03-01-2008, 01:51 PM

Actually I don't know. My mother, of all people sent me a link maybe two months ago about it. Looked like an entirely new animal, was an attack sub. Capable of staying underwater for its entire service life of 25 years, only has to surface for food for the crew. Don't know much more about it as I got distracted and didn't follow up on it.... Looked quite impressive though. RT

Deni · #42 03-03-2008, 07:54 AM

Lets say you're stuck in traffic and using only the electric engine. Then you reach the highway and need the power from the diesel/petrol engine. The ic engine has been off so it's cold. but once you need the power you need to rev the engine. Isn't it bad for a cold engine?

hobbitss · #43 03-03-2008, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

I sure missed that one. A C-class diesel would be very nice regardless of whether it's a hybrid or not. I'd probably just prefer the plain diesel.

Diesel C class is available in Europe with 3 different engines....
I wouldn't mind having one of those...

AdvisorGuy · #44 03-03-2008, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

Diesel engines still consume considerable amounts of fuel when idling. Ever done a diesel purge? You are correct that the newer engines with DI usually don't need a glow, but I'm not aware of any heat element in the intake. They do have glow plugs which at least on the TDI become useful when starting the engine cold at 45F or below. Above that the air in a DI engine is warm enough to cause the fuel to ignite because unlike in an IDI engine there are no prechambers that soak up the heat.

My car idles for about 40-50 minutes on 2 cans of Purge...

Bio300TDTdriver · #45 03-03-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deni

Lets say you're stuck in traffic and using only the electric engine. Then you reach the highway and need the power from the diesel/petrol engine. The ic engine has been off so it's cold. but once you need the power you need to rev the engine. Isn't it bad for a cold engine?

That's one mighty long traffic jam. I can's speak for all hybrids, but our HCH II has to meet certain parameters for the auto stop to work. The engine temp has to be up, you can't have the defrost on high and a certain outside temp.

I suppose if you lived right next to the highway, such a scenario could exist in a hybrid like the Prius. If it is an integrated motor assist like on our Honda, it just can't happen.