Power Cars: The Use Of Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Another alternative to power cars is through the use of hydrogen fuel cells. Generally, this works through converting the chemical energy of fuel into electricity through a reaction between hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O). This works through a typical voltaic cell in which stored chemical energy produces electrical energy; the fuel cell is composed of two parts - an anode and a cathode. Hydrogen gas flows through the anode where a catalyst causes the hydrogen to separate into protons and electrons. The protons, which are positive, flow to the other side of the cell while the negative electrons take a different circuit to the cathode. This flow of electrons powers the motor of the car. Oxygen from outside comes into the cathode and reacts with the

One key aspect that makes them so appealing to consumers, besides the environmental impact, is the efficiency that the cell gives to the car. According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), a typical combustion system of a car powered by gasoline produces efficiencies up to thirty-five percent; however, a fuel cell system, like in a hydrogen-fuel cell, can produce efficiencies from forty to sixty percent. This is especially true if cogeneration is applied, in which the waste heat is cycled back to produce more electricity. The DOE finds that this leads to a fifty percent decrease in fuel consumption in comparison to gasoline engines. The entire process of creating energy may not be really efficient. First off, electricity is needed to create hydrogen and then the hydrogen produces electricity once in the car; this reduces the effective power of the hydrogen because it is going through two different processes and each process reduces its impact significantly. (Empa) Hydrogen-fuel cells can only produce efficiencies from forty to sixty percent because a great deal of energy is lost through the engine in forms of heat; however, they are still considered efficient in comparison in other cars. (Where the Energy Goes) As of right now, most hydrogen fuel cell cars have a similar driving range as cars with internal combustion systems which in 250 to 400 miles per tank of fuel. (Hydrogen Fuel Cells) Thus, these cars have a pretty decent mileage with a better impact on the