HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS : POWERING A NEW GENERATION OF VEHICLES By : Michael Donello & Sean Varley Integration of HFC’s in Cars : A hydrogen fuel cell ( HFC ) is an electrochemical device that converts the energy stored in the bonds of gaseous hydrogen into electrical energy that can be used to power external devices such as cars. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles ( HFCV’s ) are very similar to that of gasoline powered vehicles, but the outputs of the electrochemical process sets this technology apart from competing technologies such as natural gas, hybrids, and gasoline powered cars. Where all other technologies are fossil fuel dependent and emit greenhouse gases, HFCV’s can be powered by hydrogen created from electrolysis, a process not dependent on fossil fuels. In turn, a HFCV’s only emissions are heat and clean potable water which can be reused in the process to generate more power. In terms of the components of the vehicle, hydrogen gas is transferred from a pressurized storage tank to a fuel cell stack where it is converted into usable electricity as seen in the diagram below. The electricity generated by the cell stack is then governed by a power control unit which regulates the flow of electricity into the electric motor. In turn, the energy is used to do work and propel the vehicle forward in a clean and efficient process with little harm to the environment. Sustainable People Planet Profit Sustainability : PEOPLE - HFCV’s have the potential to improve the standard of living and demonstrate practicality for those using them. With less moving parts than a combustion engine, HFC’s will generate power so long as fuel is supplied to them making them reliable for consumers. HFC’s offer great flexibility in terms of inputs; hydrogen can be generated from multiple pathways such as solar, wind, nuclear, or electrolysis making them more practical. This technology also eliminates noise pollution by only generating 60 decibels of noise (the volume of a typical conversation) thus improving the quality of living for those living in urban centers. PROFIT – If implemented, HFCV’s will allow manufacturers to make a profit in a competitive market which will provide motive for mass production. Hydrogen fuel can be produced domestically in high quantities helping eliminate dependence on foreign energy production and generating income for American companies. With Toyota and Hyundai releasing HFCV’s by the end of 2015, manufacturers have demonstrated an investment in the technology leading the way towards mass production. PLANET – HFCV’s are sustainable for the planet and seek to minimize factors that contribute to pollution. Current combustion engines use less than 20% of the chemical energy in gasoline, making it a relatively inefficient process. They also lose around 62% of their potential energy due to heat, air drag, friction, and idling in traffic. Implementation of HFC’s in cars is a considerably more efficient process, utilizing roughly 50 to 60% of the energy available in hydrogen. The whole process is driven without pistons, crankshafts, and other parts typically found in a conventional engine, meaning HFC's outclass traditional gas powered vehicles by as much as 40% in terms of efficiency. Economic Impact : JOB CREATION - Jobs created today by HFCV ' s would last well into the future. A switch to HFCV ' s as an alternative vehicle would create numerous jobs throughout the US - approximately one million jobs by the year People would have to be employed creating a wealth of new jobs where engineers and common laborers alike would be hired to improve, research, build, and most importantly expand this technology. COST – Overall, there is a significant short term cost in producing these vehicles, but it is worth the initial investment. Upon mass production, the vehicle’s price will be comparable to that of today’s gasoline powered vehicles. HFCV’s would ultimately save people money because they would no longer have to pay $ 40 for a tank of gasoline. They are also durable, running for approximately 16,000 hours straight, roughly 2 years, minimizing maintenance costs for consumers. COMPETITION - There are more costs associated with competitive alternatives such as natural gas powered vehicles and hybrid vehicles. With a natural gas powered vehicle, there will always be a need to refuel the vehicle, equating to an expenditure every time the vehicle requires refueling. Natural gas vehicles also have shorter ranges than other cars equating to more fill ups costing consumers more money. Hybrid vehicles constantly need to be charged which introduces another cost for consumers. The station itself will be costly, and the electricity bill would be astronomical. A HFCV, even with a large initial investment, is the most economically efficient and sustainable alternative vehicle for the future. Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)Battery Fuel Cell Engine Similarities To:  Both are supplied with air and a hydrogen-rich fuel.  Both have similar mechanical support systems (fuel system, air system, cooling system).  Both are galvanic cells that directly generate electricity through electrochemical reactions.  Both have an anode and a cathode in contact with an electrolyte.  With both, individual low-voltage DC cells are combined in series to attain higher voltage and power. Fuel Cell Differences From:  In a fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with oxygen electrochemically not by combusting in an ICE.  A fuel cell directly generates electricity not mechanical energy.  A fuel cell does not produce harmful tail pipe emissions or CO 2.  A fuel cell does not need to be recharged like a battery; it is refueled by the H 2 and O 2.  In a fuel cell, the anode and cathode are gases (H 2 and O 2 ); while in a battery, they are metal. Outlook : Between the development of fuel station infrastructure, falling costs of the vehicle itself, and increased manufacturer support, a favorable environment has been created for the development of this technology. Many major car manufacturers are beginning to show their support for the HFC vehicles with their release of prototypes and concept vehicles. One particularly notable manufacturer is Toyota, with its latest announcement of the Mirai (seen above). Set to be released in late 2015, the Mirai will set a standard for a whole new class of vehicles. With this information in mind, it is fair to say that HFC technology has clear potential to develop into a sustainable option for producers and consumer alike. With a growing market for HFCV's, producers now have a motive to mass produce these vehicles and turn a profit. As a result of the influx of manufacturers in the HFCV market, a competitive environment is beginning to emerge which gives way to technological advancements and price drops over the years.