Fuel cell technology, towards a cleaner tomorrow.
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel directly and efficiently into electrical and thermal energy, avoiding combustion.
The United Nations recently agreed on key issues the world needs to address by 2030. Progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals will help lift people out of poverty, create equality between groups and achieve a sustainable future.
A huge problem facing today is climate change. If we continue to produce and consume on current trends, we will continue to emit harmful greenhouse gases that will keep the planet warm and lead to extreme weather events such as melting of the polar caps. To combat climate change, fuel cell technology is a good choice.
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel directly and efficiently into electrical and thermal energy, avoiding combustion.
The most suitable fuel for such cells is hydrogen or a mixture of compounds containing a hydrogen fuel cell and an electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes. Oxygen passes through one electrode and hydrogen passes through the other, and they electrochemically react to produce electricity, water, and heat.
Fuel Cells for Vehicle Transportation
Compared to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, fuel cell-powered vehicles have very high energy conversion efficiency and near-zero carbon dioxide emissions, with water vapour as the only emission. Fuel cell-powered EVs outperform battery-powered EVs in terms of increased efficiency and faster refueling.
Diesel buses are the main public transport in India and they emit sufficient amounts of SPM and CO2. Fuel cell-powered buses and electric vehicles could be introduced relatively easily, which could drastically reduce air pollution.
Recently, Elon Musk and Tesla revealed a new hydrogen fuel cell engine for electric vehicles. This hydrogen battery engine will be the most powerful car engine in the world. Hydrogen fuel cells are a better solution for sustainable development.
The purchase cost of these hydrogen-fueled vehicles will be higher, mainly due to the rarity of car hydrogenation stations.
Fuel cells for power generation
Traditional large-scale power plants use non-renewable fuels with sufficiently adverse economic and environmental impacts. Fuel cell systems are excellent candidates for small-scale decentralized power generation.
Fuel cells can provide combined heat and power for commercial buildings, hospitals, airports and military facilities in remote areas. Fuel cells are as high as 55% efficient compared to 35% in conventional power plants.
Emission levels are low enough that carbon dioxide and water vapour are the only emissions. Fuel cell systems can be added relatively easily when needed, and can be set up anywhere power is needed.
Fuel Cell Technology, Towards a Cleaner Tomorrow, September 30, 2022