Complete Fuel cell systems CAD design and virtual installation on FIAT Panda vehicle. The aim of the project is to install a hydrogen propulsion system on a normal production Panda demonstrator. Starting form the functional schemes of the hydrogen propulsion, designed by the propulsion system responsible, in the fist part of the project the vehicle macro layout has been defined:
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Front axle traction with a transversal electric motor
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Pressurised carbon hydrogen tank installed under the vehicle floor in the spare wheel housing
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Three transversal fuel cell stack under rear passengers seat
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Power and control electronics in the ex engine bay
To allow the installation of the fuel cells under the vehicle floor 4WD rear and front suspensions has been used since the ground clearance is larger respect to the 2WD version. In the following phase, all the new components has been designed in 3D, most of them are not buy parts due to the innovation contents of the vehicle and due to the lack of automotive suppliers for the following application: intake and exhaust ducts, radiators, conveyors, water/hydrogen inlets, support subframes, and supporting brackets. All the required modification to the normal production body as been realized in order to allow the installation of all the systems.