Download Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and its Environmental Benefits

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?
• Electrochemical reaction
• Anodic reaction
H2  2H+ + 2e• Cathodic reaction
2H+ + ½O2 + 2e-  H2O
• Excess water removed
H2 + ½o2 h2o
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?
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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