Accelerating Progress at Autopolis: 5 Liquid Hydrogen Racecar Enhancements Over 2 Months
Toyota's Liquid Hydrogen GR Corolla Undergoes Significant Upgrades Ahead of ENEOS Super Taikyu Series 2023 Round 4
In the latest instalment of the ENEOS Super Taikyu Series 2023, Toyota's liquid hydrogen-powered GR Corolla made a comeback, boasting five key improvements since its last race at Fuji Speedway in May.
The first upgrade for this race was an improvement in durability for the liquid hydrogen pump, addressing a critical issue that plagued the vehicle during its previous outing. Mechanisms were added to reduce friction and shock between gears and bearings, extending the pump's lifespan by 30%.
Weight reduction was another major focus, with a 40 kg weight reduction implemented as part of the vehicle's upgrades. This was achieved by lightening or re-engineering components to improve overall vehicle performance and efficiency. The parts such as tank valves and hydrogen piping were found to have sufficient safety margins to allow for further weight reductions.
The improved pump also contributed to the weight reduction by reducing the need for heavy electrical components. This, in turn, helped increase the vehicle's range between refuels. Compared to last year's 14 laps with gaseous hydrogen, the Corolla managed to complete 19 laps, demonstrating progress despite not finishing the race.
Furthermore, five upgrades were made to the fuel system, specifically addressing durability issues with the pumps that had been causing trouble in previous races. These pumps are crucial for managing the liquid hydrogen supply under extreme racing conditions.
GR Vehicle Development Division Project General Manager Naoaki Ito stated the goal of making the liquid hydrogen system lighter than high-pressure gaseous fuel systems, currently weighing around 1,700 kg. The team's efforts are geared towards making the GR Corolla H2 more responsive and durable in endurance races like the Fuji 24 Hours.
Toyota’s liquid hydrogen combustion engines have been advancing by increasing power via direct injection and turbocharging, while tackling challenges such as cold storage at extremely low temperatures, hydrogen pre-ignition issues, and overall system robustness under severe racing conditions. The recent changes build on this ongoing development, focusing on practical racing reliability and weight optimization to enable more competitive performance.
The ENEOS Super Taikyu Series 2023 Round 4 concluded on July 30 at Autopolis in Hita, Oita. Despite the Corolla's retirement about an hour before the finish due to an engine oil leak, the upgrades have shown promise for future races. The team will continue to refine the GR Corolla H2, aiming to overcome the challenges and compete at the top of the endurance racing circuit.
- The automotive industry is not only focusing on performance enhancements but also on weight reduction, as demonstrated by the 40 kg weight reduction in Toyota's liquid hydrogen GR Corolla, achieved by lightening or re-engineering components.
- The financial aspect of the transportation sector is playing a significant role in promoting alternative fuel technologies, such as liquid hydrogen, as Toyota aims to make the liquid hydrogen system lighter than high-pressure gaseous fuel systems, currently weighing around 1,700 kg.
- Technology integration is crucial in the sports world, especially in endurance racing, as seen in Toyota's GR Corolla H2, which underwent upgrades to its fuel system to address durability issues, enabling it to manage liquid hydrogen supply under extreme racing conditions.
