Alternative Energy Sources. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Device which Hydrogen and oxygen are combined...
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Transcript of Alternative Energy Sources. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Device which Hydrogen and oxygen are combined...
Alternative Energy Sources
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle
Device which Hydrogen and oxygen are combined to produce chemical energy that is converted directly into electrical energy, that energy is then used to power the vehicles electric motors.
Video
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What is a Fuel Cell?
Alternative power source of electricity 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.
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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
General Motors
The HydroGen 1
EV-1
Ford
Focus
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Ford’s Focus Package
Chrysler
necar 4
Toyota
FCHV
Honda
FCXV3
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BMW
5 Series
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