Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Its Environmental Benefits

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Its Environmental Benefits Wendy Estela PACE university school of law November 29, 2001

What Is a “Fuel Cell? ” • Electrochemical energy conversion device • Similar to a battery • Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell

How Does a Fuel Cell Work? • Electrochemical reaction • Anodic reaction H 2 2 H+ + 2 e • Cathodic reaction 2 H+ + ½O 2 + 2 e- H 2 O • Excess water removed H 2 + ½o 2 h 2 o

Environmental Benefits • Water is the only byproduct • No “greenhouse” emissions • Potential for “zero pollution” • Minimal noise pollution

Compared to Internal Combustion Engine • Efficiency – The Carnot cycle Maximum efficiency = (T 1 -T 2) / T 1 • Environmental Effects from Internal Combustion Engine

Hydrogen: The Energy of the Future Why hydrogen? • • • 80% of the universe is made up of hydrogen Environmental Benefits Economics (cost of oil production) Energy Security Supply

Hydrogen Cycle

What Remains to Be Done? • Building an infrastructure – Production – Distribution – Storage • Safety considerations • Regulation • Successful marketing

Fuel Cell Stack --Automotive Application

Fuel Cells in Transportation GM Fuel Cell Motor

BMW Fuel Cell Vehicle

Fuel Cell Forklift

Fuel Cell Taxi--London

Fuel Cell Bus Engine

The Future