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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 reaction
2H+ + ½O2 + 2e- H2O
• Excess water removed
H2 + 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 cycle
Maximum 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