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H 2 Technology and Policy: Fuel Cells as an Alternative Energy Source

H 2 Technology and Policy: Fuel Cells as an Alternative Energy Source. John McLees 9/27/05 ChE 384 Dr. Edgar. Government Policy For Alternative Energy Sources. Clean Air Act Amendments (1990) Reduction of tailpipe emissions of air pollutants National Energy Policy Act of 1992

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H 2 Technology and Policy: Fuel Cells as an Alternative Energy Source

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  1. H2 Technology and Policy: Fuel Cells as an Alternative Energy Source John McLees 9/27/05 ChE 384 Dr. Edgar

  2. Government Policy For Alternative Energy Sources • Clean Air Act Amendments (1990) • Reduction of tailpipe emissions of air pollutants • National Energy Policy Act of 1992 • Replace up to 30% petroleum fuel by alternative energy sources by 2010 • Mandates use of alternative energy sources by federal, state, and fuel provider fleets • Alternative Fuels Initiative (1998) • Field testing, demonstration, and assistance in revenue service for buses powered by alternative energy sources

  3. Introduction to Fuel Cells • Combustion engines use fuel to expand gases to create energy • Batteries: Electrical energy from chemical reaction • Fuel cells are more efficient energy conversion devices • 2H2 + O2→2H2O + Electricity • Classified by electrolyte

  4. Types of Fuel Cells • Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) • Alkaline fuel cell (AFC) • Requires high purity H2 due to contamination issues • Used in space program since 1960’s • Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) • Large scale power plants (T = 1000 0C) • Steam production leads to improved efficiency • Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) • Large scale power plants (T = 600 0C) • Less expensive than SOFC • Phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) • Small power plants • Long warm-up time makes it poor choice for automobiles

  5. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell O2 + 4H+ + 4e-→2H2O 2H2→4H+ +4e-

  6. Benefits of the PEMFC • Low operating temperature = 80 0C • Improved power density • 1990 – 3 kW • 1997 – 50 kW • Eventually used to power cars, buses, and possibly homes

  7. Fuel Cell Powered Cars • Pollution reduction is key • Fuel cell plus methanol reformer • Overall car efficiency • Gasoline: 20% • Battery: 26% • PEMFC: 24-32% • Fuel cell buses currently operational in some cities • Fuel cell-powered vehicles on the horizon • Ford Company: 1st H2 fuel cell powered car at Detroit Auto Show • Jeep Commander: methanol fuel reduces emissions to 90% of gasoline powered cars

  8. Disadvantages of Fuel Cells • H2 storage problems • Use hydrocarbon reformers to produce H2 • Produces other gases + heat • Convenience/practicality • Filling station locations • Safety concerns • Cost

  9. Cost of Hydrogen • U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Infrastructure Technologies Program has the following goals: • By 2005, technology will be available to produce H2 at $3.00/gasoline equivalent • By 2010, price should go down to $1.50 with increased technology • Even $3.00/gallon is very attractive because FCVs are 2-3 times more efficient than ICE powered vehicles. • Could potentially be less than $1/gallon if all goals are met

  10. Conclusions • Motivation for alternative energy sources • Many types of fuel cells for specific applications • Fuel cells’ efficiency and practicality increasing with technology • H2 shown to be safe and potentially cost-effective alternative to gasoline

  11. References • U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Technologies Infrastructure Program • http://www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/ • Fuel Cells 2000 • http://www.fuelcells.org/ • How Fuel Cells Work • http://science.howstuffworks.com/fuel-cell.htm

  12. Questions?

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