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The Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Energy

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Energy was first discovered in 1839 by Sir William Grove.

He realized that water could be split into Hydrogen and Oxygen by introducing electric current .

He called this a Gas Voltaic Battery. Fifty years later the term Fuel Cell came to be.

Fuel cells create DC (direct current) voltage that can be used to power motors, and all kinds of appliances.

There are several different types classified by their operating temperature and electrolyte they use to make them.

Here are the most widely used types:

Polymer exchange membrane (PEMFC) is used by the US Department of Energy (DOE) because it has a low operating temperature of from 140-176 degrees Fahrenheit. This means it starts creating electricity at a lower temperature.

Solid Oxide (SOFC) is used for large power generators used to run factories or towns. It operates at a higher heat range of between 1,300-1800+ Fahrenheit.

These (SOFC) cells when cycled on and off repeatedly are unreliable but when used constantly are a very stable use of alternative energy.

Alkaline (AFC) is one of the oldest and has been in use since the 1960's by the US in our space program. Since it requires pure Hydrogen and Oxygen it is very expensive and it's future application is not very bright.

Molten Carbonate (MCFC) like solid oxide is used for large scale power generators and operates at 1,100+ degrees Fahreheit. This makes it a little less expensive to operate than (SOFC).

Phosphoric Acid (PAFC) is used for small power generation. It runs at a high temperature and has a long warm up time. This makes it of little or no use for cars.

Direct Methanol is similar to PEMFC in operating temperature but requires a large amount of platinum to operate as a catalyst making it pretty expensive.

The future technology of the Hydrogen Car Fuel Cell Energy lies in the development of Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

Here is basically how they work:

They consist of an Anode which is the negative side and a Cathode which is the positive side.

In between is the Proton exchange membrane( electrolyte) and the Catalyst.

The anode carries the hydrogen and the cathode carries the oxygen to the membrane and catalyst.

The membrane transforms this into electrical energy (there is a lot more to this but let's "keep it simple").

The waste product of fuel cells is water. Water in Water out. It sounds pretty simple. It's easy to see why it is Green Energy.

One problem is too much water in can flood the membrane. Too little water can dry it out. The use of special (electroosmotic) pumps can help.

Other problems are contamination. Carbon Dioxide (more than one part per million) can damage the membrane. Also metal ions can cause corrosion of the bipolar plates.

This being said the PEMFCs are great for powering everything from cars to mobile devices as small as cellphones because of the portability factor.

Is Hydrogen Fuel Cell Energy going to be part of the future? Will fuel cell cars go into mass production?

We keep hearing that they are right around the corner.We hear talk about the Renewable Highways, Hydrogen Highways, or whatever they want to call them.

England has dedicated it's M4 in south Wales. They are calling it the Renewable Refueling Infrastructure.

This is all well and good if we have the cars powered by Fuel Cell Energy to drive down these highways.

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