hydrogen fuel cell technology and its environmental benefits
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Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Its Environmental Benefits. Wendy Estela PACE 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?. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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 reaction2H+ + ½O2 + 2e- H2O
• Excess water removedH2 + 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 cycleMaximum 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