Hyundai Mobis devleoped a power generation system using a hydrogen fuel cell module to provide electricity at its fuel cell electric car parts plant in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do.

Hyundai Mobis showcased a power generation system using a hydrogen fuel cell module to provide electricity at its fuel cell electric car parts plant in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do. It is rare that the plant, the world’s first FCEV parts facility, has applied its own FCEV part production technologies for power generation other than in the automobile sector.

Hyundai Mobis’s hydrogen fuel cell plant in Chungju began the operation of an emergency hydrogen power generation system, the company said on Feb. 13. The emergency hydrogen power generation system is used as an auxiliary power source to brace for emergency power outages of the plant and to adapt to seasonal load peaks.

The hydrogen power generation system adopts hydrogen fuel cell car modules for the FCEV car Nexo, mass produced by Hyundai Motor. It is a power generation system with a maximum capacity of 450kW, made with a parallel connection of five hydrogen fuel cells for FCEVs.

The power generation capacity accounts for 7 percent of the plant’s daily power consumption, and will be available to help the plant cope with peak situations.

The hydrogen power generation system has strengths, such as controlling of amounts, safety and high energy efficiency, no pollutions and low noises, a Hyundai Mobis official said.

The number of fuel cell modules for producing electricity can be changed according to needs, since emergency power generation requirements differ according to the size of buildings. Each component of hydrogen fuel cell modules has a design of explosion proof, automatic hydrogen detection, and an outside exhaust system, causing no safety misgivings.

The hydrogen power generation system has a major drawback of high cost in installation due to insufficient infrastructure for hydrogen productions and uses. If usage is widespread, it is expected to secure price competitiveness.

Ahn Byung-ki, head of Hyundai Mobis’s electromotion business department, said the hydrogen power generation system is a first step of realizing a hydrogen society using core hydrogen fuel cell technologies, and its applications may be available in diverse fields such as hydrogen trains and hydrogen ships.

Global Attention on Tech Trend Leader at CES Hyundai Mobis, Tech Trend Leader at CES
Until last year, almost all automakers unveiled only technologies on self-driving at the CES (Consumer Electronic Show) in Las Vegas. At the CES 2019 that took place from Jan. 8 to Jan. 11, exhibitors demonstrated many technologies to enhance the safety and convenience of self-driving cars. Hyundai Mobis set up a booth, corresponding to this technology trend correctly.

Hyundai Mobis demonstrated technologies that enabled self-driving car occupants to enjoy videos by using front and side glass windows as large-sized displays and flip through various gadgets with their fingertips in virtual space, adjusting music and lighting.

Hyundai Mobis also showcased the M. Vision, evaluated to have dramatically improved self-driving convenience and safety by communicating with their nearby cars and even pedestrians. A hydrogen power generation system, using hydrogen fuel cell modules for the FCEV cars, was also unveiled at the CES 2019.

A view of Hyundai Mobis’s booth at the CES 2019. (Photos: Hytundai Mobis)