H2 Technology and Policy: Fuel Cells as an Alternative Energy Source

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H2 Technology and Policy Fuel Cells as an
Alternative Energy Source

• John McLees
• 9/27/05
• ChE 384
• Dr. Edgar

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Government Policy For Alternative Energy Sources

• Clean Air Act Amendments (1990)
• Reduction of tailpipe emissions of air pollutants
• National Energy Policy Act of 1992
• Replace up to 30 petroleum fuel by alternative
  energy sources by 2010
• Mandates use of alternative energy sources by
  federal, state, and fuel provider fleets
• Alternative Fuels Initiative (1998)
• Field testing, demonstration, and assistance in
  revenue service for buses powered by alternative
  energy sources

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Introduction to Fuel Cells

• Combustion engines use fuel to expand gases to
  create energy
• Batteries Electrical energy from chemical
  reaction
• Fuel cells are more efficient energy conversion
  devices
• 2H2 O2?2H2O Electricity
• Classified by electrolyte

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Types of Fuel Cells

• Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)
• Alkaline fuel cell (AFC)
• Requires high purity H2 due to contamination
  issues
• Used in space program since 1960s
• Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)
• Large scale power plants (T 1000 0C)
• Steam production leads to improved efficiency
• Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC)
• Large scale power plants (T 600 0C)
• Less expensive than SOFC
• Phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC)
• Small power plants
• Long warm-up time makes it poor choice for
  automobiles

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Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
O2 4H 4e-?2H2O
2H2?4H 4e-
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Benefits of the PEMFC

• Low operating temperature 80 0C
• Improved power density
• 1990 3 kW
• 1997 50 kW
• Eventually used to power cars, buses, and
  possibly homes

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Fuel Cell Powered Cars

• Pollution reduction is key
• Fuel cell plus methanol reformer
• Overall car efficiency
• Gasoline 20
• Battery 26
• PEMFC 24-32
• Fuel cell buses currently operational in some
  cities
• Fuel cell-powered vehicles on the horizon
• Ford Company 1st H2 fuel cell powered car at
  Detroit Auto Show
• Jeep Commander methanol fuel reduces emissions
  to 90 of gasoline powered cars

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Disadvantages of Fuel Cells

• H2 storage problems
• Use hydrocarbon reformers to produce H2
• Produces other gases heat
• Convenience/practicality
• Filling station locations
• Safety concerns
• Cost

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Cost of Hydrogen

• U.S. Dept. of Energys Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and
  Infrastructure Technologies Program has the
  following goals
• By 2005, technology will be available to produce
  H2 at 3.00/gasoline equivalent
• By 2010, price should go down to 1.50 with
  increased technology
• Even 3.00/gallon is very attractive because FCVs
  are 2-3 times more efficient than ICE powered
  vehicles.
• Could potentially be less than 1/gallon if all
  goals are met

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Conclusions

• Motivation for alternative energy sources
• Many types of fuel cells for specific
  applications
• Fuel cells efficiency and practicality
  increasing with technology
• H2 shown to be safe and potentially
  cost-effective alternative to gasoline

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References

• U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen, Fuel Cells,
  and Technologies Infrastructure Program
• http//www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/
• Fuel Cells 2000
• http//www.fuelcells.org/
• How Fuel Cells Work
• http//science.howstuffworks.com/fuel-cell.htm

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Questions?