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

Internal combustion engines are only 6% efficient…..94% is wasted

Energy Efficiency of Cars with Internal Combustion Engines

Style

• Smaller; more aerodynamic

• Use lightweight body construction– Fiberglass– Carbon fiber– Aluminum

• Nissan Leaf

SMART Cars

Features• Use gasoline for

acceleration and hill-climbing

• 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