How Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars Work

No doubt you have heard about hydrogen fuel cell cars that are said to be in the research process and may be available in quantity within the next ten years or so. But what you may not know is how hydrogen fuel cell cars work. We will try to explain as simply as possible how they work and why they are an advantageous addition to the problems concerning the environment and global warming.

What are the Fuel Cells?

Hydrogen fuel cell cars are already in existence but more advances need to be made in this emerging science before average consumers can take advantage of the new technology. A fuel cell is a device that converts electrochemical energy. The fuel cell will convert oxygen and hydrogen into water and as a result of this process it will produce electricity. It can be compared to a battery that contains the chemicals needed to convert energy into electricity inside of it; but a battery will eventually go dead when the chemicals are used up if it cannot be recharged.

The beauty of hydrogen fuel cell cars is that the fuel cell never dies. The flow of chemicals is constant and creates electricity to flow out of the cell. Most of the fuel cells that are being experimented with today use oxygen and hydrogen for its energy source.

The Efficiency of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars

The main goal of hydrogen fuel cars is to reduce the pollution that standard gasoline cars emit. Right now we have the technology to run cars on battery power, hydrogen and gasoline. The difference between the three is how the mechanical power is produced. The fuel cell is said to be able to convert as much as 80% of the hydrogen content into electric power. You still need an inverter and electric motor to accomplish this. This too is said to be about 80% efficiency and if you add the two together the efficiency overall is said to be nearly 65%. 

When hydrogen is not the only fuel source for a hydrogen fuel cell car it must also have a reformer. This reformer will convert alcohol fuel or hydrocarbon into the hydrogen needed. Because this method for powering hydrogen fuel cell cars is not as clean nor as efficient, scientists are concentrating more on the pure hydrogen fuel cell cars even though there are many challenges to overcome such as storage and the production of hydrogen.

Why Use Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars

It is said that over one billion dollars so far has been spent towards the research and development of hydrogen fuel cell cars. The infrastructure used to maintain and construct hydrogen facilities is said to be at an even more considerable cost. Many think the research is well worth it as the U.S. uses 2/3 of oil imported just for transportation. With oil prices expected to only increase in the future, even the use of hybrid cars will not meet the needs of a world not powered by oil as an energy source. As more oil is depleted from its natural sources, those in the oil industry will face unique challenges for finding deposits of oil which will only make the price of oil even higher than it is at present.

Cars That Run on Water Tip #1

No matter what anybody tells you, there is not yet a water powered car in production. That is an urban myth that reached its peak with Stanley Meyer who claimed that he drove one hundred miles using only four ounces of water (he was later convicted of fraud). The water powered engine hasn't even been invented yet. Scientists are still trying to figure out if it is even possible.

Cars That Run on Water Tip #2

Many major car manufacturers are embracing the idea of the hydrogen car. BMW hopes to release a hydrogen car to the public by 2008 (or 2010 at the latest) and other manufacturers like Toyota are also making plans to release hydrogen car lines. Of course the debate over using hydrogen in cars is still raging and nothing has been settled yet.

Cars That Run on Water Tip #3

While both a water based engine and a hydrogen engine will do wonders for fuel emissions and the environment, one of the major reasons people want them is to improve their fuel mileage. Of course, gas mileage can be improved right now. You can improve your gas mileage drastically just by driving sensibly and making sure your car is maintained properly.