Hydrogen Fuel Cell Applications

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Applications

Hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines (ICEs) and turbines present potentially viable, low-emission systems that will be an important bridging technology in the transition to a hydrogen economy.

Hydrogen-powered ICEs are not only benefit the environment by reducing emissions, but their technology will stimulate the creation of hydrogen infrastructure and the development of codes and standards . When hydrogen is the fuel used in an ICE, the main pollutants are oxides of nitrogen formed from air in the hot zone of the combustion chamber.

With automobiles contributing significantly to the global air pollution, fuel cells that can generate 10 to 200 kW while emitting only water offer an attractive solution to a growing problem. Not surprisingly, in recent years auto manufacturers have taken a leading role in the development of fuel cell engines for cars.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell vs. The Internal Combustion Engine

Cars powered by fuel cells offer significant advantages over internal combustion engines (ICEs). Fuel cell engines are:

Cleaner
Fuel cell engines produce zero harmful emissions.

Safer
Fuel cells are safer than ICEs, which are hot and break down chemical materials inside the hot combustion zone.

More Efficient
While litre for litre, hydrogen generally generates less energy than gasoline, a fuel cell's efficiency is typically more than double that of an ICE. So a fuel cell car can get you just as far on hydrogen as an ICE powered car.

Quieter
Could a process called Scombustion be anything but loud? Fuel cells, which don't use combustion and have few moving parts, are virtually silent.

Lower Maintenance
With so few moving parts, there's less to maintain with a hydrogen fuel cell car. Maintenance will consist mostly of changing air filters and maintaining pumps. And because a fuel cell car doesn't idle when stopped, there is far less wear and tear.

Multipurpose
No need to bring that generator along on your camping trip. Fuel cell powered cars can also be designed to power other electrical devices when they're not in use, such as outdoor lighting and stereo equipment.