At Hengst, we deal with drivetrains, filter technologies and engines on a daily basis. As an OEM development partner, it is a matter of course for us to deal with innovations and future market requirements at an early stage. Waiting and seeing is simply not our thing, we want to actively shape and develop the mobility of tomorrow. This is also our benefit for the independent aftermarket. We are already experts on certain topics before the products are needed on the market.
In the following, we take a look at a type of drive that still smells a bit like the future, but is already a reality in racing: the Formula Student hydrogen racing car.
What we see here is not just an electric car with a tank full of hydrogen, but a completely electrified vehicle that draws its energy from a fuel cell. And the principle behind it is amazingly elegant.
The fuel cell - the heart of the drive
In contrast to an internal combustion engine, hydrogen is not burned here, but chemically converted into electricity. This works as follows:
- Hydrogen is fed from a high-pressure tank (350 bar) into the fuel cell.
- There it meets oxygen, which enters the system via an air filter and subsequent treatment.
- The chemical reaction produces electrical energy and water - the latter leaves the vehicle safely as water vapor.
The electrical energy generated is first stored in batteries, which then drive the electric motors. In practice, this means a clean drive that can deliver just as much power on racetracks as a classic electric car, but uses the benefits of hydrogen as an energy carrier. Sustainable not only for the environment, but also for driving pleasure.
Air, cooling and energy flow
The fuel cell is a highly sensitive system. It is important that the air supply must be compressed, dehumidified and temperature-controlled so that the reaction remains stable. In addition, the chemical reaction generates heat, which is dissipated via radiators and cooling circuits. This is the only way the system can remain reliable even under maximum loads, such as those that occur on racetracks.
Why hydrogen in racing?
The fuel cell offers a number of benefits that are particularly relevant for the mobility of the future:
- High energy density: Hydrogen can store a lot of energy and is also easier to store.
- Flexibility: Not every application can be covered by batteries alone. Hydrogen can be used as a supplement.
- Sustainability: Hydrogen only produces water as a waste product - perfect for clean racing.
This shows how innovative racing technology is pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Components such as junction boxes, engine controllers and the cooling circuits have to work together perfectly to ensure that the fuel cell delivers optimum performance over the long term. And this is of course extensively tested beforehand. This process ensures that the hydrogen drive also works stably under load - from the chemical reaction in the fuel cell to acceleration on the straight.
What does this show us? Hydrogen can be more than just a concept. Formula Students makes it very clear that performance, efficiency and sustainability can be perfectly coordinated to provide enormous driving pleasure.
For the future, anyone who wants to understand what mobility can look like beyond classic combustion engines should take a look at hydrogen racing cars like these. They are a fascinating foretaste of technologies that may soon be on our roads.
