Question: What exactly IS a fuel cell?

[Fanzotti]

Because your answer was hardly an answer at all. By your answer, I could insert a plastic bladder into my gas tank and it would be a fuel cell.

And I never asked about hydrogen fuel cells.

And just about everything you say is either bullshit or just stupid.

How is that not an answer? That's what a fuel cell is.

[uofom3]

Because your answer was hardly an answer at all. By your answer, I could insert a plastic bladder into my gas tank and it would be a fuel cell.

And I never asked about hydrogen fuel cells.

And just about everything you say is either bullshit or just stupid.

zing

[trent]

One of the main things I like about fuel cells is the ability to add or change the pickup location in the tank. They have these real cool 90deg pickups you can stick in all corners of a tank. ALso, the most of these fuel cells have bags, but that isn't the entire reason that fixes starvation, most of them are also foamfilled which prevents sloshing. I am going to be adding foam to my stock tank.

[BimmerToad]

Because your answer was hardly an answer at all. By your answer, I could insert a plastic bladder into my gas tank and it would be a fuel cell.

And I never asked about hydrogen fuel cells.

And just about everything you say is either bullshit or just stupid.

I <3 r3v

[winstontj]

Mr. Anderson... It all depends. A fuel cell can be "a cell containing fuel" or for a better answer it depends on your class rules and budget. Aftermarket fuel tanks or cells exist for a number of reasons. First, if constructed properly they offer additional levels of safety, second they can offer performance gains.

As mentioned drag racers do not need a 16 gallon tank to go 1/4 mile therefore their tanks are typically much smaller (1-2 gallons) while some rally tanks are upwards of 50+gallons.

Construction is usually made from plastic, aluminum or steel, depending on your class rules you should purchase accordingly. You can order them by specifying demensions. Some come just as an empty box, some with baffles, some can be totally custom and many folks weld/fab their own. That is a fuel cell. A cell created to hold fuel. Class rules often but not always require the use of an internal bladder which can be multi layer rubber/kevlar reinforced, etc. and will withstand impact, puncture, etc. in the event of a crash.

Again, depending on class rules, most guys run stockish volume cells. IMO plastic is garbage and steel is cheap (inexpensive)... Aluminum is the way to go, however VERY expensive for custom applications. If a bladder is not used the tank will usually come with baffles surrounding a generic pickup location. Cells made for bladders will usually (most always) not have baffles. The bladder is inserted in from the access port and sealed. Most often guys will add (again depending on class rules) either a baffle structure inside the bladder, or open cell foam, or some combination of both. Foam is used to prevent fuel starvation and unwanted sloshing.

Your standard top shelf fuel cell (ex. fuel safe) will be constructed out of aluminum and have one filler provision, one vent provision and one access panel. You would need to purchase the bladder seperately as well as come up with the foam (which breaks down over time). You would then put your fuel pickup and low pressure pump inside the cell surrounded by foam. Pickup & LP pump leads to a swirl tank (2L or enough to get you one lap around... so you can make it to the pits) leading into your HP fuel pump, accumulator, filter and line... FPR, fuel rail, return dumping back into the swirl tank... the swirl tank has the float in it so even under conditions of starvation (low tank in corners) in the cell your LP return still feeds the swirl tank giving you another opportunity to finish out that lap in the event of a failure.

Hope that makes sense. First it depends on class rules, then budget, then car. Most guys will tell you they got what they got because it is the best but unless they have an unlimited budget kick some tires before purchasing because chances are they compromised unless they built their own.

[Ray Smoodiver]

Because your answer was hardly an answer at all. By your answer, I could insert a plastic bladder into my gas tank and it would be a fuel cell.

And I never asked about hydrogen fuel cells.

And just about everything you say is either bullshit or just stupid.

James, can admins be put in timeout for attacking another member?

[Fanzotti]

James, can admins be put in timeout for attacking another member?

Enquiring minds want to know?

[CleanAzzE30z]

DUde he tried to answer your question, Josh. This is not one of those instances in which he said something stupid. Had I provided the same answer, I doubt the same reaction would have been given. Just my opinion.


Mariano

[Jscotty]

As mentioned drag racers do not need a 16 gallon tank to go 1/4 mile therefore their tanks are typically much smaller (1-2 gallons) while some rally tanks are upwards of 50+gallons.

I never thought of that.. I would love to have a 50 gallon tank and fill up once a month. When I had Ford Ranger with a 2.3 liter engine, the truck had a 25 gallon tank and it was GREAT. I enjoyed driving all day long and not even using an 1/8 of the tank.

[Jand3rson]

DUde he tried to answer your question, Josh. This is not one of those instances in which he said something stupid. Had I provided the same answer, I doubt the same reaction would have been given. Just my opinion.

Ok, Jesus Harold Christ on rubber crutches, I was a little harsh on the guy. I apologize, Deagle. Can we all stop blubbering about it now?

:roll:

[CleanAzzE30z]

were minorities, Josh. We must think of things as a 3rd party hahaha. And yes we can stop blabbering about it. ;)


Mariano

[Jand3rson]

Thanks. Us beaners gotta stick together.

[CleanAzzE30z]

Thanks. Us beaners gotta stick together.

simon, ese!!


Mariano

[FJ40]

I never thought of that.. I would love to have a 50 gallon tank and fill up once a month. When I had Ford Ranger with a 2.3 liter engine, the truck had a 25 gallon tank and it was GREAT. I enjoyed driving all day long and not even using an 1/8 of the tank.

Yeah it'd be cool to fill up, then you would realize that your car couldn't get out of it's own way as you try to pull away...I hate filling up as is (yeah I've got an e!).

[Jscotty]

50 gallons of gas couldn't weigh more than another person or two. Even when I have 4 other people in my car, my 325i drives just as spirited as if I was in the car alone.