HYDROGEN GAS Hydrogen gas is NOT a fuel

HYDROGEN GAS • Hydrogen gas is NOT a fuel but an alternative energy carrier, much like electricity. • Can be used to heat buildings, power factories, fuel automobiles and planes.

Electrolysis of Water • Electrolysis – Uses electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. – Dept. of Energy (DOE)concluded that this is not the method to use for large quantities of hydrogen production.

Fuel Cells • Used in some cars and buses • Can store hydrogen and use it to produce electricity to power the automobile

The Technology

Fueling Stations • Only 36 fueling stations currently existing in the U. S.

Timeline

Advantages • Renewable • Emits no toxins – hydrogen burns cleanly with only water vapor as a product • Leaves no environmental scars • Could stimulate US jobs and economic growth • Reduce dependence on foreign oil

Disadvantages • Not currently developed enough to rely on as a steady source of energy – technology, transportation of gas • Low net energy yield • Has to be generated; would take large amounts of energy to do so • Storing hydrogen is difficult in a vehicle

ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES (AFVs) and HYBRID CARS Extending the Life of Fossil Fuels

Energy Efficiency of Cars with Internal Combustion Engines Internal combustion engines are only 6% efficient…. . 94% is wasted

Style • Smaller; more aerodynamic • Use lightweight body construction – Fiberglass – Carbon fiber – Aluminum • Nissan Leaf

SMART Cars

Features • Use gasoline for acceleration and hillclimbing • Use an electrical engine, allows gasoline engine to shut off when coasting or stopped • Heat energy generated during braking is recovered and converted into electrical energy • Nissan Leaf electronic control unit

Nissan Leaf Lithium-ion Battery Pack

Features • Home electric plug-in system

Weaknesses • Energy-storage system • Travel distance