FUEL CELLS

THE
TECHNOLOGY
OF THE
FUTURE
 WHAT IS A FUEL CELL?

A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device.

 It produces electricity , water and heat using fuel and oxygen in the air.

 It is 2-3 times more efficient than the internal combustion engine in

converting fuel to power.

 Fuel cells and batteries are similar but unlike batteries where the
reactants are kept internally , the fuel in a fuel cell is placed externally
and can be replaced when exhausted.

USES:
 Fuel cells have been used in space programs to provide electricity and
drinking water for astronauts.
 Terrestrial applications include transportation , stationary and portable
power uses.
 Fuel cells are becoming an alternative for rural energy needs.
 WORKING OF A FUEL CELL

 A fuel cell consists of 2 electrodes. Hydrogen gas is fed through the

“anode” and oxygen gas enters through the “cathode”.

 The Platinum catalyst helps split the Hydrogen atom into protons(H+)
and electrons
H2 2Pt 2Pt-H
2Pt-H 2Pt + 2H+ +2e-

 The protons pass through the electrolyte , Polymer Electrolyte

Membrane(PEM) and reach the cathode.

 The electrons pass through the external circuit where they help run
the electric motor which turns the wheel axle.
 The electrons return to the cathode where they unite with the protons
and oxygen molecules to release water and heat.
O2 4H+ 4e- 2H2O(l)
 TYPES OF FUEL CELLS

Fuel Cells are classified according to their operating temperature and

the type of electrolyte they use. The main types are:

POLYMER EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL(PEMFC)

 It operates at relatively low temperatures(60-80 degree celsius) and
is most suitable for use in vehicles.

SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL(SOFC)

 They operate at very high temperatures(700-1000 degree celsius)
and are best suited for use in large-scale power generators.

ALKALINE FUEL CELL(AFC)

 They have been used in the US space program since 1960’s.
COMPARISION BETWEEN FUEL CELLS
AND INTERNAL COMBUSTON ENGINES
FUEL CELLS
 Are 2-3 times more efficient
than internal combustion
engines
 Chemical energy of fuel
Thermal energy Electric
energy
 Converts about 40-60% of
the energy of fuels to power
 No green house gases or air
pollutants are released as
combustion of fuel doesn’t
take place
INTERNAL COMBUSTION
ENGINES
 Are not as efficient as fuel
cells
 Chemical energy of fuel is
directly converted into
electric energy
 Converts only about 20% of
the energy of fuels to power
 Green house gases and air
pollutants are released into
the atmosphere
 FUEL CELLS IN VEHICLES

A HYDROGEN FUEL CELL CAR

A FUEL CELL CAR USUALLY CONSISTS OF THE
FOLLOWING:-
FUEL CELL STACKS
This is the heart of the fuel cell car. These produce power without
combustion and hence are twice more efficient than the internal
combustion engines.
 they also produce zero carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

HYDROGEN TANKS
 Hydrogen is compressed into two high-pressure tanks and fitted in the
car which enable around 190 miles of driving before refueling.

ELECTRIC MOTOR
 The fuel cells help run the electric motor which drives the vehicle
without any noise or any exhaust gases.

A limited production vehicle in this range is the HONDA 2005 FCX which
costs around $10 million .
 BENEFITS OF FUEL CELLS

NO GREEN HOUSE GASES

NO AIR POLLUTANTS
 Fuel cells have introduced the concept of ZERO
EMISSION VEHICLES(ZEVs)
REDUCES DEPENDENCE ON CRUDE OIL IMPORTED
FROM OUTSIDE COUNTRIES

MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT THAN INTERNAL

COMBUSTION ENGINES

PROVIDES A GREAT DEAL OF FLEXIBILITY IN

THE DESIGN OF VEHICLES

PEM fuel cells use hydrogen which is plentily available in

methanol , natural gas and renewable sources of energy
such as water which would reduce our dependence on oil.
 FUEL CELL PROBLEMS

HIGH COST

DURABILITY OF PEMFC MEMBRANES AT HIGH TEMPERETURES

STORAGE PROBLEMS OF FUEL(HYDROGEN

GAS) TANKS IN VEHICLES

SAFETY CONCERNS
 Since the fuel cells use hydrogen, proper
safety provisions should be made in case of an
accident.

HYDRATION PROBLEMS OF PEMFC MEMBRANES AT HIGH

TEMPERATURES AND LOW HUMIDITY ENVIRONMENTS
Paper Presentation by

SATYABRATA CHAYANI

B.TECH,3RD SEMESTER
COMPUTER SCIENCE
ENGINEERING AND
APPLICATIONS