Hydrogen fuel cells
produce electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen atoms
. The hydrogen reacts with oxygen across an electrochemical cell similar to that of a battery to produce electricity, water, and small amounts of heat. Many different types of fuel cells are available for a wide range of applications.
How much current does a fuel cell produce?
A single fuel cell produces
approximately 1 volt or less
— barely enough electricity for even the smallest applications. To increase the amount of electricity generated, individual fuel cells are combined in series to form a stack.
How much voltage does a hydrogen fuel cell produce?
A typical hydrogen fuel cell produces
0.5 V to 0.8 V per cell
. To increase the voltage individual cells can be connected in series.
What is the potential in volts generated by a hydrogen fuel cell?
The theoretical voltage for a hydrogen fuel cell should be
1.23 V
, however typical potentials are 0.6 to 0.7 and actually drop as the current flows.
How do hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity?
In a hydrogen fuel cell, a catalyst at the anode separates hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons, which take different paths to the cathode.
The electrons go through an external circuit
, creating a flow of electricity.
How long does a hydrogen fuel cell last?
The fuel cell stacks are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle,
about 150,000–200,000 miles
. At the end of its lifespan, the fuel cell will be disassembled and the materials recycled, similar to what happens with vehicle components today.
Are hydrogen fuel cells better than batteries?
Hydrogen fuel cells have
a far greater energy storage density than lithium-ion batteries
, offering a significant range advantage for electric vehicles while also being lighter and occupying less space.
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.
What are the disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cells?
- Hydrogen Extraction. …
- Investment is Required. …
- Cost of Raw Materials. …
- Regulatory Issues. …
- Overall Cost. …
- Hydrogen Storage. …
- Infrastructure. …
- Highly Flammable.
Are hydrogen cars better than electric?
However, as hydrogen cars densely pack their energy storage, they're
usually able to achieve longer distances
. While most fully electric vehicles can travel between 100-200 miles on a single charge, hydrogen ones can get to 300 miles, according to AutomotiveTechnologies.
Do hydrogen fuel cells wear out?
Much like a battery, a fuel cell produces electricity through an electrochemical reaction, which generates electricity without any combustion. Unlike batteries,
fuel cells don't wear out
and continuously provide electricity as long as there's a constant source of fuel and oxygen.
How much hydrogen is needed for a fuel cell?
Most fuel cell electric cars carry
about 5 kg to 6 kg of hydrogen
but go twice the distance of a modern internal combustion engine car with equivalent gas in the tank, which works out to a gasoline-per-gallon equivalent between $5 and $6.
What is a disadvantage of fuel cells?
Disadvantages of using fuel cells in cars
hydrogen is in the gas state at room temperature and pressure, so it is difficult to store in the car. fuel cells and electric motors are less durable than petrol engines and diesel engines, so they are not so
long-lasting
.
fuel cells are very expensive
.
Why hydrogen is not used as a fuel?
Hydrogen has the highest calorific value so it can be considered as the best fuel but it is
highly inflammable
so it is diificult to store, transport and handle so it is used as a fuel only where it is absolutely necessary.
What are the pros and cons of hydrogen fuel cells?
Hydrogen fuel cells
Pros:
No vehicle emissions other than water vapor
. Fuel economy equivalent to about twice that of gasoline vehicles. Hydrogen is abundant, and can be made from renewable energy. Cons: This space-age technology is expensive.
Where is hydrogen found naturally?
Natural abundance
Hydrogen is easily the most abundant element in the universe. It is found
in the sun and most of the stars
, and the planet Jupiter is composed mostly of hydrogen. On Earth, hydrogen is found in the greatest quantities as water.
