Emergency Response Guide Honda Fuel Cell Vehicle Prepared for Fire Service, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical, and Professional Towing Personnel by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Contents Key Components 1 Vehicle Description Type, Size, and Materials Curb Weight Fuel Cell Module Hydrogen Tanks High-Voltage Electric Motors Power Control Unit 12-Volt Battery Capacitor Module High-Voltage Cables 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 Built-In Safety Features Occupant Protection Features Crash Detection System Hydrogen Tank Safety Valves Hydrogen Line Sensors Manual Hydrogen Shut-Off Valve 5 5 5 6 6 Potential Hazards Flammable Fluid Hydrogen Properties and Potential Hazards Electric Shock Potential Ca
Key Components
Type, Size, and Materials The Honda FCX is a 2-door, 4-passenger hatchback electric vehicle that uses fuel cells to generate power. The FCX can be easily identified by the words “Fuel Cell Power” across the bottom of the rear window, a blue and white compressed hydrogen decal on the right side of the rear hatch, and the words “Fuel Cell Power” and the FCX logo on the driver’s and passenger’s doors. The chassis and most components are made of steel and aluminum. A few parts are made of plastic.
Vehicle Description Continued High-Voltage Electric Motors Electricity generated by the fuel cell module powers these four high-voltage motors: Propulsion Motor Front of Car • The propulsion motor drives the front wheels • An air compressor motor supplies air to the fuel cells • A water pump motor cools the fuel cell module • An air conditioning motor powers the air conditioning system Turning the key switch to the Accessory (I) or Lock (0) position turns off all the motors.
Vehicle Description One of Two Assemblies in the Capacitor Module Continued Capacitor Module Two integrated capacitor assemblies make up the capacitor module. Somewhat like a battery, the capacitor module provides longterm storage for electrical power generated by the fuel cells or regenerated by the propulsion motor. This power is available to provide extra current when needed, such as during acceleration. Each capacitor assembly has many individual cells.
Built-In Safety Features Occupant Protection Features The FCX has lap/shoulder belts in all four seating positions, dual front airbags, and pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners for the driver and a front passenger. To disable the airbags and tensioners, the key switch must be in the LOCK (0) position for at least 3 minutes, or the 12-volt battery must be disconnected for at least 3 minutes.
Built-In Safety Features Continued The hydrogen will continue releasing into the atmosphere until the tanks are empty. This could take up to 5 minutes if both tanks are full. Pressure Relief Tube Hydrogen Line Sensors In addition to the in-tank safety valves, several sensors are located along the hydrogen lines to detect any possible leak. If a leak is detected, the power control unit automatically stops the flow of hydrogen from the tanks.
The FCX does not present any greater hazards than a conventional gasoline-powered passenger car or any other type of electric car. It performed well in front-, offset-frontal-, side-, and rear-impact tests, with no damage to any of the high-voltage or hydrogen components. Flammable Fluid The only flammable fluid used by the FCX is transmission oil. The capacity is 1.2 quarts (1.1 liters). Hydrogen Properties and Potential Hazards The hydrogen used in the FCX is a nontoxic and odorless gas.
Potential Hazards Continued Electric Shock Potential Unprotected contact with any electrically charged or “hot” high-voltage component can cause serious injury or death.
Emergency Procedures Based on discussions with rescue professionals, we recommend that emergency response personnel follow standard procedures developed by their own organization for assessing situations and dealing with potential hazards. Given our knowledge of the FCX, we also recommend the procedures outlined in this section. Incidents Involving Fire If an FCX is involved in a fire, follow standard fire-fighting procedures, but keep away from the rear of the vehicle until the fire is completely out.
Emergency Procedures Continued Damaged Vehicle Before attempting to rescue occupants from a damaged FCX or to move a damaged vehicle, it’s important to prevent electric current from flowing through the high voltage cables and to prevent hydrogen leakage. You have three ways to do this, ranging from the best method to the least desirable. Best method for preventing current flow and hydrogen leakage: Turn the key switch off, remove the key, and turn off the manual hydrogen shut-off valve (see page 11).
Emergency Procedures Continued Best Method for Preventing Current Flow and Hydrogen Leakage Turn the key switch off, remove the key, and turn off the manual hydrogen shut-off valve. Turning off the key switch turns off the fuel cell module and all the motors, preventing electric current from flowing into the high-voltage cables. It also turns off power to the airbags and the seat belt tensioners (although it will take 3 minutes for the airbags and seat belt tensioners to depower).
Emergency Procedures Continued Second-Best Method for Preventing Current Flow and Hydrogen Leakage Disconnect the 12-volt battery negative cable and the negative DC-to-DC converter cable, then turn off the manual hydrogen shut-off valve. This method should be used only if the key switch is in the ON (II) position, and you cannot reach the key but you can reach under the hood.
Emergency Procedures Continued 4. Locate the red handle of the manual hydrogen shut-off valve (it’s in front of the tire in the right rear fenderwell). 5. Turn the handle one-quarter turn clockwise to stop the flow of hydrogen. Manual Hydrogen Shut-Off Valve (Turn 1/4 turn clockwise to stop the flow of hydrogen.
Emergency Procedures Continued Least-Desirable Method for Preventing Current Flow and Hydrogen Leakage Turn off the capacitor module main switch, then turn off the manual hydrogen shut-off valve. This method does not disable the airbags or the seat belt tensioners. It should be used only if the key switch is in the ON (II) position, you cannot reach the key, and you cannot reach under the hood.
Emergency Procedures Continued 3. Remove the red locking cover, then flip the switch from ON to OFF. 4. Reattach the locking cover to prevent the switch from inadvertently being flipped on. Red Locking Cover 5. Locate the red handle of the manual hydrogen shut-off valve (it’s in front of the tire in the right rear fenderwell). 6. Turn the handle one-quarter turn clockwise to stop the flow of hydrogen. Manual Hydrogen Shut-Off Valve (Turn 1/4 turn clockwise to stop the flow of hydrogen.
Emergency Procedures Continued Extricating Occupants If you need to break windows, cut into the body, or use “Jaws of Life”-type equipment to remove occupants from a damaged vehicle, be sure to stay within the cut zone (as indicated on the illustration by the light blue and dark blue diagonal lines). Do not cut into the undercarriage or into the area containing the capacitor module.
Emergency Towing Continued If you need to move the FCX only a short distance, such as to the side of the road, and the car can still roll on the ground, the easiest way is to shift to neutral, then push the car manually. To move the FCX a longer distance, the preferred method is to use a flat-bed truck. To prevent damage to the bodywork, use the towing hook to pull the car onto the truck, and then use the tie-down points to secure it to the flat-bed.
Emergency Towing Continued 2. Remove the round grommet that covers the towing hook hole (on the driver’s side of the front grille). 3. Screw the towing hook firmly into the hole. Towing Hook Hole Using the Tie-Downs Tie-down points are provided on the inside of the side sills. Remove the grommets before using these points.
Copyright © 2003, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
