Alternative Energy Sources

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle

A device that combines Hydrogen and oxygen are to produce electricity. The electricity is used to power the vehicles electric motors.

Video

Fuel Cell

A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device.

A fuel cell converts the chemicals hydrogen and oxygen into water, and in the process it produces electricity.

How a Fuel Cell works

Carbon Plate (Anode)

Catalyst Layer

Matrix (Electrolyte)

Catalyst Layer

Carbon Plate (Cathode)

ElectronsHydrogen

Oxygen

Water

Output per Cell

This reaction in a single fuel cell produces only about 0.7 volts.

To get this voltage up to a reasonable level, many separate fuel cells must be combined to form a fuel-cell stack.

What is holding back Fuel Cells?

Hydrogen is difficult substance to produce, store and distribute

To over come this problem, fuel cells convert readily available fuels into Hydrogen. This process is preformed by a device called a reformer.

Facts

One gallon of gasoline burned in an internal combustion engine releases twenty pounds of carbon dioxide

Fuel cells in vehicles can operate with efficiencies of 40-80% compared with 18% for "state-of-the-art" spark ignition engines

The first "commercial" use of fuel cells was by NASA in the 1960s

Companies are hoping to produce their first commercial models of fuel cell cars from 2003-2005

Ford’s Focus Package

Honda

FCXV3

BMW

5 Series

Ford

Focus

Converted Econo-line

Toyota

FCHV

Volkswagen

Hymotion

What is a Reformer

A reformer converts alcohol fuels into hydrogen. Unfortunately, reformers are not very

efficient. They generate heat and produce

hydrogen and other unwanted gasses

Reference

Heating with Wood, DOE, 2000

U.S. Dept. Of Energy, 2000

www.iowastateuniv.edu

The Value of the Benefits of US Biomass Power, 1999