HYDROGEN GAS Hydrogen gas is NOT a fuel but an alternative energy carrier, much like electricity. Can be used to heat buildings, power factories, fuel automobiles and planes.

Electrolysis of Water Electrolysis – Uses electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. – Dept. of Energy (DOE)- concluded that this is not the method to use for large quantities of hydrogen production.

Fuel Cells Used in some cars and buses Can store hydrogen and use it to produce electricity to power the automobile

The Technology

Fueling Stations Only 36 fueling stations currently existing in the U.S.

Timeline

Advantages Renewable Emits no toxins – hydrogen burns cleanly with only water vapor as a product Leaves no environmental scars Could stimulate US jobs and economic growth Reduce dependence on foreign oil

Disadvantages Not currently developed enough to rely on as a steady source of energy – technology, transportation of gas Low net energy yield Has to be generated; would take large amounts of energy to do so Storing hydrogen is difficult in a vehicle

ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES (AFVs) and HYBRID CARS Extending the Life of Fossil Fuels

Internal combustion engines are only 6% efficient…..94% is wasted Energy Efficiency of Cars with Internal Combustion Engines

Style Smaller; more aerodynamic Use lightweight body construction – Fiberglass – Carbon fiber – Aluminum Nissan Leaf

SMART Cars

Features Use gasoline for acceleration and hill- climbing Use an electrical engine, allows gasoline engine to shut off when coasting or stopped Heat energy generated during braking is recovered and converted into electrical energy Nissan Leaf electronic control unit

Nissan Leaf Lithium-ion Battery Pack

Features Home electric plug-in system

Weaknesses Energy-storage system Travel distance