hydrogen fuel cell technology and its environmental benefits wendy estela pace university school of...

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Its Environmental Benefits

Wendy EstelaPACE 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

H2 2H+ + 2e-

• Cathodic reaction

2H+ + ½O2 + 2e- H2O

• Excess water removed

H2 + ½o2 h2o

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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 = (T1-T2) / T1

• 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