Recently, while many were focused on the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500, Toyota President Akio “Morizo” Toyoda was racing a hydrogen-burning Corolla in the Super Taikyu Fuji 24 Hours at Fuji Speedway in Japan. It’s not every day you see an automotive executive racing their own company’s car, especially one powered by hydrogen.
Learning Through Racing
For the past few years, Toyota has been using this endurance race to learn more about hydrogen technology. The company has found ways to improve the thermal efficiency of their engines through these tests. This knowledge is being applied to their latest generation of internal combustion engines, which were showcased to the public at the end of May.
Exploring Hydrogen as an Alternative
The Japanese auto industry, with support from the government, is exploring hydrogen as an alternative to traditional fuels and batteries. While hydrogen fuel cells haven’t gained much popularity, Toyota is experimenting with a different approach: using hydrogen in an internal combustion engine.
Evolution of the Hydrogen Corolla
Toyota’s journey with the hydrogen-powered Corolla began in 2021, competing in the Fuji 24-hour race. They returned in 2022 with improvements and had more success. This year, they made a significant change by switching from gaseous hydrogen to liquid hydrogen.
Why Liquid Hydrogen?
Liquid hydrogen offers almost twice the energy density of gaseous hydrogen, although it’s still only about a third as much as gasoline. However, it has some logistical advantages. Instead of filling tanks with highly pressurized gas (70 MPa or 700 bar), they now cool the hydrogen to -253° C (-423° F). This cryogenic refueling method requires less equipment and is more practical for use at a racetrack.
A Step Forward for Hydrogen
Toyota’s continued efforts in hydrogen technology through racing highlight the potential of hydrogen as a viable alternative energy source. Their work not only advances their understanding but also contributes to the broader exploration of hydrogen in the automotive industry.
