Can Ethanol Be Used In Fuel Cell?

Ethanol fuel can also be used in fuel cell as it has higher energy density than methanol . The reactions of ethanol fuel cell are shown below [78].

How does ethanol fuel cell work?

The DEFC, similar to the DMFC, relies upon the oxidation of ethanol on a catalyst layer to form carbon dioxide . Water is consumed at the anode and is produced at the cathode. Protons (H ⁺ ) are transported across the proton exchange membrane to the cathode where they react with oxygen to produce water.

Can we use ethanol in fuel cell?

Ethanol has five times higher volumetric energy density (6.7 kWh/L) than hydrogen (1.3 kWh/L) and can be used safely in fuel cells for power generation . ... Theoretically, the efficiency of an ethanol fuel cell should be 96%, but in practice at the highest power density it is only 30%, due to a variety of reasons.

Is hydrogen better than ethanol?

Ethanol fuel cells could be far more efficient than conventional ethanol-powered engines. They could also be more practical than hydrogen fuel cells, since ethanol is easier to store and transport than hydrogen .

Is ethanol better than petrol?

Ethanol offers a greater octane rating than petrol . So putting an ethanol blend in an engine designed for petrol means in theory it could handle more compression (produce more power and operate more efficiently). ... This means ethanol blends won't be as thermally efficient in most engines, compared with straight petrol.

Is ethanol bad for your car?

Ethanol absorbs moisture more easily than gasoline , which can cause corrosion problems in fuel tanks and gum up filters and carburetors. It also can dissolve rust in the fuel tank, which could then find its way into the fuel system.

Is ethanol cheaper than gasoline?

The cost of E85 relative to gasoline or E10 can vary due to location and fluctuations in energy markets. E85 is typically cheaper per gallon than gasoline but slightly more expensive per mile.

Why are hydrogen engines a bad idea?

Hydrogen fuel cells have bad theoretical and practical efficiency . Hydrogen storage is inefficient , energetically, volumetrically and with respect to weight. ... It has a horrible well-to-wheel efficiency as a result. Easy ways to get large quantities of hydrogen are not ‘cleaner' than gasoline.

How many kWh is 1kg of hydrogen?

In electrical terms, the energy density of hydrogen is equal to 33.6 kWh of usable energy per kg, versus diesel which only holds about 12–14 kWh per kg. What this really means is that 1 kg of hydrogen, used in a fuel cell to power an electric motor, contains approximately the same energy as a gallon of diesel.

What are the disadvantages of hydrogen?

• Hydrogen Energy is Expensive. ...
• Storage Complications. ...
• It's Not the Safest Source of Energy. ...
• Tricky to Move Around. ...
• It is Dependent on Fossil fuels. ...
• Hydrogen Energy Cannot Sustain the Population.

What are the disadvantages of ethanol fuel?

• Requires a Large Piece of Land. We've learned that ethanol is produced from corn, sugarcane, and grains. ...
• The Distillation Process is Not Good For the Environment. ...
• Spike in Food Prices. ...
• Affinity For Water. ...
• Difficult to Vaporize.

Is ethanol bad for?

Higher-ethanol blends still produce significant levels of air pollution , reduce fuel efficiency, jack up corn and other food prices, and have been treated with skepticism by some car manufacturers for the damage they do to engines. Growing corn to run our cars was a bad idea 10 years ago.

Can ethanol replace petrol?

Ethanol Can Replace Gasoline With Big Energy Savings , Comparable Impact On Greenhouse Gases. ... Corn-based ethanol is now blended with gasoline in many states, but there is still ongoing and fierce debate about whether it's worth the energy and resources needed to grow corn.

Is 10% ethanol good for your car?

Ethanol is used as an additive in gasoline to help oxygenate the gas, causing the fuel to burn completely. Thus, ethanol-infused gases produce cleaner emissions, leading to better air quality. ... Most vehicles run just fine on a 10% mix of ethanol in their gasoline .

What is the price of ethanol?

Can I run my car on ethanol?

The short answer is, no , ethanol-free gasoline is not bad for your car. Most cars today can run on ethanol gas blends up to E15 (15% ethanol) and on non-ethanol gasoline. And flex fuel vehicles can handle up to E85 (85% ethanol) without a problem.