Alternative Energy Sources

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle A device that combines Hydrogen and oxygen are to produce electricity. The electricity is used to power the vehicles electric motors. Video

Fuel Cell A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device. A fuel cell converts the chemicals hydrogen and oxygen into water, and in the process it produces electricity.

How a Fuel Cell works Carbon Plate (Anode) Catalyst Layer Matrix (Electrolyte) Catalyst Layer Carbon Plate (Cathode) Electrons Hydrogen Oxygen Water

Output per Cell This reaction in a single fuel cell produces only about 0.7 volts. To get this voltage up to a reasonable level, many separate fuel cells must be combined to form a fuel-cell stack.

What is holding back Fuel Cells? Hydrogen is difficult substance to produce, store and distribute To over come this problem, fuel cells convert readily available fuels into Hydrogen. This process is preformed by a device called a reformer.

Facts One gallon of gasoline burned in an internal combustion engine releases twenty pounds of carbon dioxide Fuel cells in vehicles can operate with efficiencies of 40-80% compared with 18% for "state-of-the-art" spark ignition engines The first "commercial" use of fuel cells was by NASA in the 1960s Companies are hoping to produce their first commercial models of fuel cell cars from

Ford’s Focus Package

Honda FCXV3

BMW 5 Series

Ford Focus Converted Econo-line

Toyota FCHV

Volkswagen Hymotion

What is a Reformer A reformer converts alcohol fuels into hydrogen. Unfortunately, reformers are not very efficient. They generate heat and produce hydrogen and other unwanted gasses

Reference Heating with Wood, DOE, 2000 U.S. Dept. Of Energy, The Value of the Benefits of US Biomass Power, 1999