Fuel cells vehicles

Fuel cells vehicles

A fuel cell vehicle (FCV) or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV)

is a type of vehicle which uses a fuel cell to power its onboard electric motor.
Fuel cells in vehicles create electricity to power an electric
motor, generally using oxygen from the air and compressed
hydrogen.

FUEL CELLS
What is a Fuel Cell?
fuel cell is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy,
water, and heat through electrochemical reactions.

FUEL CELLS
Fuel and air react when they come into contact through a porous membrane
(electrolyte) which separates them.
This reaction results in a transfer of electrons and ions across the
electrolyte from the anode to the cathode.
If an external load is attached to this arrangement, a complete circuit is
formed and a voltage is generated from the flow of electrical current.
The voltage generated by a single cell is typically rather small (< 1 volt), so
many cells are connected in series to create a useful voltage .

FUEL CELLS
Pressurized hydrogen gas (H2) enters cell on anode side.
Gas is forced through catalyst by pressure.
When H2 molecule comes contacts platinum catalyst, it splits into two
H+ ions and two electrons (e-).
Electrons are conducted through the anode
Make their way through the external circuit (doing useful work such as
turning a motor) and return to the cathode side of the fuel cell.
On the cathode side, oxygen gas (O 2) is forced through the catalyst
Forms two oxygen atoms, each with a strong negative charge.
Negative charge attracts the two H+ ions through the membrane,
Combine with an oxygen atom and two electrons from the external
circuit to form a water molecule (H2O).

Fuel Cell Vs. Battery

Fuel Cells in Use: Hydrogen Fuel Cell System

Fuel Cells
Advantages
Water is the only discharge (pure H2)
Disadvantages
CO2 discharged with methanol reform
Little more efficient than alternatives
Technology currently expensive
Many design issues still in progress
Hydrogen often created using dirty energy (e.g., coal)
Pure hydrogen is difficult to handle
Refilling stations, storage tanks,

Fuel cells vehicles

Fuel cells vehicles

Fuel cells vehicles