hydrogen fuel cells: the power of tomorrow

1
hydrogen fuel cellsthe power of tomorrow
BY ALLEN DEARMOND AND LAUREN CUMMINGS
2
what is a fuel cell?

• Generates electric power using a fuel and an
  oxidant
• Unlike a battery, chemicals are not stored in the
  fuel cell they must be replenished
• Possible fuel sources hydrogen,
• alcohols, hydrocarbons,
• gasoline
• Possible oxidants oxygen,
• chlorine, chlorine dioxide
• Refueling of an internal
• combustion engine, efficient
• and quiet like a battery

3
types of hydrogen fuel cells

• Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells
• Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
• Alkaline Fuel Cells
• Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells
• Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells
• Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
• Regenerative Fuel Cells

4
science of hydrogen fuel cells

• Anode (-) and Cathode () on each side of the
  fuel cell, divided by an electrolyte
• Hydrogen gas is channeled through anode side
  oxygen passes through cathode
• Platinum catalyst oxidizes hydrogen atoms into H
  and electrons
• Electrons pass along external circuit conduct
  electricity before entering cathode
• Electrolyte allows H to pass into the cathode
• In cathode, catalyst combines H , O2- and
  electrons, forming H2O and heat

5
science of hydrogen fuel cells

• Anode2H2 gt 4H 4e-
• Cathode O2 4H 4e- gt 2H2O
• Net Reaction2H2 O2 gt 2H2O
• Exact opposite of electrolysis

6
science of hydrogen fuel cells
7
optimization of fuel cells

• Catalyst increases rate of reaction without
  being consumed in the process
• Platinum is main catalyst used in PEM fuel cells
• Platinum is expensive and highly sensitive to
  poisoning
• New platinum/ruthenium catalysts being researched
  for use in hydrogen fuel cells
• Reaction requires lower temperatures and high
  humidity and pressure

8
present-day applications

• Little-to-no pollution, doesnt need to be
  recharged
• 2500 fuel cell systems have been installed
  globally
• Used to power landfills and water treatment
  plants
• 50 fuel cell buses
• Every major automotive manufacturer has designed
  a fuel cell-powered vehicle
• Mercedes-Benz projects 40 efficiency in compact
  cars running on Hydrogen fuel cells
• Hydrogen Fuel Initiative (2003)

9
present-day applications
10
present-day applications

• Fuel cells require specific humidity, pressure,
  etc.
• Catalysts are pricey and sensitive to poisoning
• Difficult to produce hydrogen
• Difficult to store optimum amounts of Hydrogen
• If fuels other than hydrogen are used, some
  greenhouse gasses are emitted
• Very few cars currently running on hydrogen

11
the future of fuel cells

• Used to power personal electronic devices cell
  phones, iPods, laptops
• Enough energy to run for days, or weeks (instead
  of hours)
• Potentially power all cars, airplanes, ships,
  etc.
• 60 million tons of carbon dioxide could be
  eliminated from yearly greenhouse gas production
• Development of cheaper and more reliable
  catalysts
• Higher demand cheaper

12
the future of fuel cells

• Economic crisis has greatly slowed technological
  advancements
• Past predictions for 2010 seem unlikely
• Hydrogen cannot be the only alternative fuel
  source to solve the energy crisis
• Many more years of research before mass
  production will be possible

13
conclusion

• Hydrogen fuel cells are efficient, and clean
• Also expensive, and require specific humidity,
  temperature, pressure
• With more technological advancements, could be
  used in mass production for various applications
• Not an instant fix for the energy crisis, but
  definitely a major component

14
works cited

• Basic Elements Fuel for the Future. Miramar High
  School. 3 March 2009. lthttp//library.thinkquest.
  org/04apr/00 215/energy/fuel_cells/fuel_cells.htmgt
  
• Fuel Cells. Princeton University. 3 March 2009.
  lthttp//www.princeton.edu/ch m333/2002/spring/Fu
  elCells/gt
• Fuel Cells. U.S. Department of Energy. 9 March
  2009.
• lthttp//www1.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcell
  s/fu elcells/fc_types.htmlgt
• Hydrogen.gov United States Government. 10 March
  2009. lthttp//www.hydrogen.govgt.
• Nice, Karim and Jonathan Strickland. How Fuel
  Cells Work. 18 September 2000. How Stuff
  Works.com. lthttp//www.howstuffworks.com/fuel-cel
  l.htm 3 March 2009gt.