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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.
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Contents Key Components 1 Vehicle Description Type, Size, and Materials 2 Curb Weight 2 Fuel Cell Module 2 Hydrogen Tanks 2 High-Voltage Electric Motors 3 Power Control Unit 3 12-Volt Battery 3 Capacitor Module 4 High-Voltage Cables 4 Built-In Safety Features Occupant Protection Features 5 Crash Detection System 5 Hydrogen Tank Safety Valves 5 Hydrogen Line Sensors 6 Manual Hydrogen Shut-Off Valve 6 Potential Hazards Flammable Fluid 7 Hydrogen Properties and Potential Hazards 7 Electric Shock Po
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Vehicle Description Continued High-Voltage Electric Motors Electricity generated by the fuel cell module powers these four high-voltage motors: 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 Propulsion Motor Front of Car Turning the key switch to the Accessory (I) or Lock (0) position turns off all the motors. However, the air com
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Vehicle Description Continued Capacitor Module Two integrated capacitor assemblies make up the capacitor module. Somewhat like a battery, the capacitor module provides long- term 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. Specifications for the capacitor module are One of Two Assemblies in the Capacitor
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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. Crash Detection System The FCX is equipped with sensors that can detect a serious impact to the front, rear, o
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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. Manual Hydrogen Shut-Off Valve The FCX is equipped with
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Potential Hazards Continued Electric Shock Potential Unprotected contact with any electrically charged or “hot” high-voltage component can cause serious injury or death. However, receiving an electric shock is highly unlikely due to these facts: Contact with high-voltage components inside the power control unit, the fuel cell box, or the capacitor module can occur only if these units are damaged and someone deliberately touches the contents, or if any of these units are opened without followin
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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 complete
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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
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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). Turning off t
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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. Disconnecting the 12-volt battery negative cable and the negative DC-to-DC converter cable turns off the fuel cell system
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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.) 13
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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.) 15
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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. High-Voltage Fuel Cell Hydrogen Capacitor Cables Module Tanks Module Cut Zone 16
