Seminar on an overview of hydrogen fuel cell

An overview of hydrogen cell

1. SEMINAR ON “AN OVERVIEW OF HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES” NAME : RASHMI BN USN : 1BI21ME047 5 TH SEM ‘A’ SECTION BANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

2. What are Hydrogen Fuel Cells? Hydrogen fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. They operate through a chemical reaction, producing electricity, water vapor, and heat as byproducts. Fuel cells offer a clean and efficient alternative to traditional combustion engines. They are used in various applications, including transportation, stationary power generation, and portable devices. Fuel cell technology is gaining momentum as a key player in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

3. How do Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work? Hydrogen atoms are fed into the anode of the fuel cell. At the anode, hydrogen molecules are split into protons and electrons. The protons migrate through a membrane, while the electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electricity. At the cathode, oxygen from the air combines with protons and electrons to form water and heat. The overall process is efficient and produces minimal emissions, making fuel cells environmentally friendly .

4. Working of Hydrogen Fuel Cell In a Car Hydrogen Intake: The car draws in hydrogen gas from a storage tank, typically located onboard the vehicle . Electrolysis: Within the fuel cell, hydrogen molecules are separated into protons and electrons through a process called electrolysis, facilitated by a catalyst . Electrical Generation: The separated electrons flow through an external circuit, generating an electric current that can power the vehicle's motor. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM ): Protons pass through a specially designed membrane, while electrons are forced through an external circuit, creating an electrical flow. Oxygen Interaction: Oxygen from the air reacts with the protons and electrons on the other side of the membrane, combining to form water vapor, the only emission from the fuel cell . Electricity for Propulsion: The electricity produced powers the electric motor, propelling the vehicle forward, with the only byproduct being water vapor, making hydrogen fuel cells an environmentally friendly option for transportation.

5. Types of Hydrogen Fuel Cells Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells: Commonly used in transportation due to their low operating temperatures and fast start-up times. Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFCs): Historically used in space missions and some stationary applications. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs): Efficient for stationary power generation, often using natural gas or biogas as a fuel source. Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs): Suitable for large-scale power generation, operating at high temperatures. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFCs): Used in stationary applications, such as distributed power generation and cogeneration.

6. Advantages of Hydrogen Fuel Cells Zero Emissions: Hydrogen fuel cells produce only water vapor and heat as byproducts, making them environmentally friendly. High Efficiency: Fuel cells can achieve efficiencies of up to 60%, higher than internal combustion engines. Versatility: Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of sources, including renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. Scalability: Fuel cell technology can be scaled for small portable devices or large-scale power plants. Fast Refueling: Hydrogen fueling stations can refuel vehicles in a matter of minutes, comparable to gasoline refueling times. Quiet Operation: Fuel cell systems operate quietly, without the noise associated with combustion engines.

7. Disadvantages of Hydrogen Fuel Cells Hydrogen Production: Most hydrogen is currently produced from fossil fuels through steam methane reforming, leading to carbon emissions. Infrastructure: The lack of hydrogen refueling stations and distribution infrastructure limits the widespread adoption of fuel cell vehicles. Cost: Fuel cell technology is currently expensive, primarily due to the high cost of platinum catalysts used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Storage Challenges: Hydrogen has low energy density by volume, requiring complex and costly storage solutions. Safety Concerns: Hydrogen is highly flammable and can pose safety risks, although modern fuel cell systems incorporate safety features to mitigate these risks.

8. Application of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Transportation: Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) offer zero-emission transportation solutions, with longer ranges and shorter refueling times compared to battery electric vehicles. Stationary Power Generation: Hydrogen fuel cells can provide clean and reliable power for homes, businesses, and off-grid applications. Backup Power: Fuel cells can serve as backup power systems for critical infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted operation during outages.

9. Conclusion Fuel Cells (FCs) have emerged as a promising technology for generating stationary or mobile power with zero emissions at the end-use point. Using hydrogen as a fuel source in FCs provides significant opportunities to decarbonize energy sectors. Also, it identifies the current R&D focus and proposes future direction.

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