Small, compact and fast - record-breaking BMW hydrogen vehicle in model format

Munich. The hydrogen combustion engine is not only suitable for cars as big as
the BMW 7 Series - it is also efficient on a small scale too. Proof of this has
been provided by a project group at the Ingolstadt University of Applied
Sciences: a remote-controlled model of the record-breaking BMW H2R - 70
centimetres long, 25 centimetres wide - designed by undergraduates and doctoral
students reaches a top speed of 80 km/h. Last year, with the original of the
BMW H2R, BMW achieved nine international records recognised by the FIA. The
hydrogen-powered racing vehicle managed to reach a maximum speed of over 300
km/h.
"Our model shows that a hydrogen drive also works on a small scale", says
Professor Jörg Wellnitz, who led the project in his department. Wellnitz
continues: "The project aims to make students more familiar with hydrogen
technology. The hydrogen combustion engine will also play a dominant role in
the future. The over 1500 working hours invested in the project show that the
participants really enjoyed themselves and were totally committed."

Four undergraduates and two doctoral students at the UAS initially designed the
chassis in the summer semester 2004. The plans for the combustion engine,
hydrogen tank and all the remaining parts were designed using simulation
software and then implemented by the students. The finished model, ready for
driving, only needed a suitable body. The record-breaking BMW vehicle was ideal
for this. With the support of BMW, the appropriate outer skin was produced on
the basis of the original plans for the large BMW H2R using the Rapid
Prototyping process. Assembled, the chassis with hydrogen engine and the BMW
H2R outer skin are an accurate imitation of the BMW record-breaker. Both
vehicles - the original and the model - are totally unique. The model was
successfully realised together with the model maker Graupner.

Important facts about the model
The model of the record-breaking hydrogen car is on a scale of 1:8; it is 70
centimetres long, 25 centimetres wide and 15 centimetres high. The chassis was
made from aluminium and carbon fibre materials. 2.2 HP from a compressor
charged four-stroke engine with a capacity of 11.5 cc and water-cooling provide
excellent propulsion. There are two storage variants available for the hydrogen
supply: two high-pressure tanks store the equivalent of 60 litres of hydrogen
under standard conditions (normal temperature and pressure). Alternatively, two
metal hydride containers can be installed in the H2R model, containing 300
standard litres of gas. This is sufficient to operate the vehicle for approx.
25 minutes.