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