ME 0113

HydrogenPower Source For Next Generation Vehicle

1.Ms.D.ANJANA

, 2.Ms G.DIVYA

Abstract:
Hydrogen fuel can be implemented as a renewable energy medium with immense potential. When utilized properly, it has the potential to entirely replace fossil fuels altogether. Transforming our largely oil based economy, to a new hydrogen economy, which will provide sustainability throughout the 21st century, and beyond, for as long as the sun continues to shine. This paper deals with utilization of Hydrogen as fuel. It also brings in the working of a Fuel Cell, the types of Fuel Cells and its applications as an Emerging Technology. It also focuses on the recent areas of Development of Hydrogen and fuelled cells.The increasing effects due to pollution has resulted in global warming and the best way to reduce the pollution while keeping our vehicles is to start developing emission-free vehicles

Key words
fossil fuels, Polymer Electrolyte Membrane , electrolyte, catalyst, Fuel cell stack

Conclusion
Hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered cars are the best alternatives to polluting, gasoline-powered cars for several reasons:The cars are completely emission-free, having incredible mile ranges, compatible with cold weather, about 3 times as efficient as gasoline-powered carsThe fuel cells have no moving parts, compact and lightweight--not overly bulky Hydrogen is safe, renewable and abundant, has been tested rigorously for use in vehicles, and is being used in many vehicles already. 1. anjana219_deva@yahoo.co.in Shri Vishnu Engineering College

Introduction:
A plenty of energy is need to sustain industrial growth. The existing sources of energy such as coal, oil, uranium, etc may not be adequate to meet the ever-increasing energy demands. These conventional sources of energy are also depleting and may be exhausted at the end of the century or beginning of the century. Consequently, sincere efforts shall have to be made by the scientists and engineers in exploring the possibilities of harnessing energy from several non-conventional energy sources. The various Non Conventional Energy Sources are as follows: Solar energy. Wind energy. Energy from biomass and biogas. Ocean thermal energy conversion. Tidal energy. Geo thermal energy. Hydrogen energy. Fuel cells. Thermo electric power.

Hydrogen:
Hydrogen is the simplest and lightest fuel. Hydrogen exists in gaseous state at atmospheric pressure and temperature. In recent times, it is being explored for use in combustion engines and fuel cell electric vehicles. The ability to create hydrogen from variety of resources and its clean burning properties make it a desirable fuel. Hydrogen plays an important role in development of sustainable transportation because of its existence and production from renewable resources.

Fuel cells:
Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that produce electricity from a combined chemical reaction and electrical charge transport that occurs within the fuel cell. In most fuel cells, oxygen are supplied from air while hydrogen is supplied derived from water, methanol, natural gas, ethanol or other hydrocarbons.Unlike battery fuel cells produce electricity while fuel is supplied to it. The reaction occurs at relatively lower temperatures and no combustion takes place. The chemical reaction produces pure water, electricity and heat. The electrical power is proportional to the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel cell.

Fuels are of different types based on their performance and characteristics. They are Alkaline fuel cells (AFC). Phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC). Proton exchanger membrane fuel cells, also known as polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC). Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC). Direct methanol fuel cells, known as direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFC). Regenerative fuel cells. Hybrid combinations.

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell:

One of the more common types of fuel cell is the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The PEM fuel cell consists of an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between an anode (negative electrode) and a cathode (positive electrode).

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane:

PEM is a thin, solid, organic compound, typically the consistency of plastic wrap and about as thick as 2 to 7 sheets of paper. This membrane functions as an electrolyte, a substance that conducts charged ions (in this case protons), but does not conduct electrons. This allows the solution to conduct electricity. This membrane must be kept moist to conduct particles through it.

Anode:
The anode is the electrode at which oxidation (loss of electrons) takes place. In a fuel cell, the anode is electrically negative. The anode is composed of platinum particles uniformly supported on carbon particles. The platinum acts as a catalyst, increasing the rate of the oxidation process. The anode is porous so that hydrogen can pass through it. At anode:

Cathode:
The cathode is the electrode at which reduction (gaining of electrons) takes place. In a fuel cell, the cathode is electrically positive. The cathode is composed of platinum particles uniformly supported on carbon particles. The platinum acts as a catalyst, increasing the rate of the reduction process. The cathode is porous so that oxygen can pass through it. At cathode: Overall cell reaction:

Flow Plates:
Flow plates perform several important functions. They channel hydrogen and oxygen to the electrodes. They channel water and heat away from the fuel cell, and They conduct electrons from the anode to the electrical circuit and from the circuit back to the cathode.

Working of Fuel cells:

Hydrogen and anode: Hydrogen fuel is channeled to the anode, where the catalyst separates the hydrogen's negatively charged electrons from the positively charged protons.

Polymer electrolyte membrane:

The membrane allows the positively charged protons to pass through to the cathode, but not the negatively charged electrons. The negatively charged electrons must flow around the membrane through an external circuit. This flow of electrons forms an electrical.

Cathode:
At the cathode, the negatively charged electrons and positively charged hydrogen ions (protons) combine with oxygen to form water and heat.

Fuel cell stack:

To increase the amount of electricity generated, individual fuel cells are combined in series, into a fuel cell "stack." A typical fuel cell stack may consist of hundreds of fuel cells.

Fuel cells are a flexible technology and have a broad range of applications:

Transportation:
Fuel cells can be used to provide propulsion or auxiliary power for transportation applications including cars, trucks, buses, trains, ships, and submarines. They have been used to provide auxiliary power on spacecraft for decades.

Recent developments:
HONDA unveils its model of HOME ENERGY SYSTEM (HES), a home cogeneration and fuelling system that uses natural gas to supply electricity and heat in addition to hydrogen fuel for vehicles. The system is equipped with fuel cells that it can generate electricity (5kw). According to Honda, the HES is expected to lower by 50% the total household electricity, gas and vehicle fuel. Indian scientists and researchers develop hydrogen concept hybrid vehicle-REVA, with initial range of 120km and maximum speed of 65kmph. Many well-known companies already have hydrogen fuelled vehicles; Mercedes-benz, with 20 cars, BMW, which is testing for liquid hydrogen.Hydrogen propels space shuttle into orbit.

Advanatages of fuel cells:

Widespread use of hydrogen as a energy source is being emphasis for its Reduced greenhouse emissions, Improved air quality, Higher energy efficiencies when compared to internal combustion engines,

Zero pollutant emissions from fuel cells using hydrogen gas directly, Low noise, Low vibration, High quality electricity, The energy per unit mass of hydrogen is 2.6 times that of gasoline.

Drawbacks:
The major drawbacks are: Range is limited with current fuel storage options. Lack of current distribution network Lack of manufacturing and infrastructural. Hydrogen requires four times the volume required by gasoline. Lack of infrastructure and equipment initially. Liquid hydrogen is cold enough to freeze air. Since insulation of the storage tanks cannot be perfect, hydrogen will gradually evaporate.

Conclusion:
Hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered cars are the best alternatives to polluting, gasoline-powered cars for several reasons: The cars are completely emission-free, The fuel cells have no moving parts, Hydrogen is renewable and abundant, The cars are compatible with cold weather, The fuel cells are compact and lightweight--not overly bulky or heavy, The cars are about 3 times as efficient as gasoline-powered cars, The cars will have incredible mile ranges, The tanks will be refueled quickly, Hydrogen is safe, has been tested rigorously for use in vehicles, and is being used in many vehicles already.

Reference:
Hydrogen Power News-january 26th,2006.. Hydrogen Hot Stuff&Cool Science by Rex A.Ewing. Technical Journals-AMIE Hindustan Times-November 22nd,2005..