6.11: Hydrogen Fuel Cells

What is the fuel for Hydrogen Fuel Cells?

It uses Hydrogen, which is a renewable alternative to fossil fuels

What are the emissions of Hydrogen Fuel Cells?

Water

What happens to the hydrogen that is inputted into the Hydrogen Fuel Cell?

It is split up into protons and electrons by an electrolyte that only allows protons to pass.

How does the electricity form in the Hydrogen Fuel Cell?

The electrons from the hydrogen takes an alternative path from the Hydrogen Ions, and this flow of electrons creates electricity.

How does the emissions of Hydrogen Fuel Cells form?

The Oxygen that enter the fuel cell break apart, and it attaches to the Hydrogen Ions. This forms water, which is the byproduct.

What is the most common application of Hydrogen Fuel Cells?

In Vehicles

How is the H2 gas for Hydrogen Fuel Cells created?

They use either Steam Reforming or Electrolysis, which require lots of energy

What percent of hydrogen production uses Steam Reforming?

95%

How does Electrolysis compare to Steam Reforming?

Less efficient, but more sustainable

What is Steam Reforming?

Burns natural gas and uses steam to separate H gas from the methane

What are the emissions from Steam Reforming?

CO2

What is Electrolysis?

Electrical current is applied to water, breaking it into O2 and H2

What are the pros and cons of Electrolysis?

Doesn’t emit CO2, although it requires electricity

Pros of Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier

It can be stored in pressurized tanks for later use, and can be used as fuel for vehicles or ammonia for fertilizer

How efficient are Hydrogen Fuel Cells?

80% efficient

Cons of Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Hydrogen Production is based off of non-renewable resources, which releases CO2, Hydrogen tanks in cars also need to larger than for gasoline. There is also no standardized distribution network for Hydrogen.