S

Fuel Cell & Electrolysis

Technology

This project is funded by

NSF-1004083

What is a Fuel Cell?

S Energy conversion device

S Various fuels & operating conditions for different applications

S Hydrogen (e.g. transportation)

S Methanol (e.g. portable electronics)

S Microbial (e.g. wastewater treatment)

S No moving parts = lower maintenance

S Efficient, quiet

S Better than batteries:

S No need to recharge, refuel rapidly

This project is funded by

NSF-1004083

Where are Fuel Cells Used?

S Transportation:

S Cars from automakers for the US and global markets

GM: over 100 FC Equinoxes with over 2 million miles driven

S Buses in Los Angeles, Chicago, Vancouver, and Germany

S Power Generation: On-site power for houses and businesses

S Portable: Army testing Direct Methanol Fuel Cells for remote power

This project is funded by

NSF-1004083

What is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell?

S Electrochemical energy conversion:

S Chemical reaction produces

electricity

S Hydrogen + Oxygen = Electricity

S Byproducts:

S Heat

S Water

This project is funded by

NSF-1004083

How Does a Hydrogen Fuel

Cell Work?

S Anode (-): Hydrogen

S Cathode (+): Oxygen (Air)

S Overall:

This project is funded by

NSF-1004083

𝐻2 ⟶ 2𝐻+ + 2𝑒−

1

2𝑂2 + 2𝐻

+ + 2𝑒− ⟶𝐻2𝑂

𝐻2 +1

2𝑂2 ⟶𝐻2𝑂

Hydrogen Production & Storage

Hydrogen Production

S Current production:

S fossil fuels, natural gas, and coal.

S Other technology:

S reforming of natural gas, partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, and coal gasification—will not help to decrease the dependence on fossil fuels

S Best:

S electrolysis of water into hydrogen & oxygen—efficient but requires lots of electricity

Hydrogen Storage

S Underground: caverns, aquifers, and depleted petroleum and gas fields…Expensive!

S Vehicular Pressurized Hydrogen Tanks

S Liquid Hydrogen Storage: Beneficial for transportation and portable storage

S Metal Hydride Storage

This project is funded by

NSF-1004083

Electrolysis: Fuel Cell in Reverse

S Same reaction as hydrogen fuel cell, only in reverse:

S Supply water and electricity

S Generate hydrogen & oxygen

S Perfect match for hydrogen fuel cells

S Issue:

S Have to supply electricity

S Solution:

S Use solar panels or other renewable sources

This project is funded by

NSF-1004083

Today’s Project:

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car

This project is funded by

NSF-1004083

Today’s Project:

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car

This project is funded by

NSF-1004083