Fuel cells run on hydrogen, the simplest element and most plentiful gas in the universe. Hydrogen is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Each hydrogen molecule has two atoms of hydrogen, which accounts for the H 2 we often see. Hydrogen is the lightest element, with a density of 0.08988 grams per liter at standard pressure, yet it has the highest energy content per unit weight of all the fuels – 52,000 Btu/lb, or three times the energy of a pound of gasoline.
Hydrogen is never found alone on earth — it is always combined with other elements such as oxygen and carbon. Hydrogen can be extracted from virtually any hydrogen compound and is the ultimate clean energy carrier. It is safe to manufacture. And hydrogen’s chemical energy can be harnessed in pollution-free ways.
Fuel Flexibility means Energy Security. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of sources:
- Traditional: natural gas, gasoline, diesel, propane
- Renewable/alternative fuels: methanol, ethanol, landfill gas, bio-gas, methane
- Water: using electrolysis, solar or wind power
- Innovative: sodium borohydride, algae, peanut shells
How much will Hydrogen fuel cost?
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & Infrastructure Technologies Program is working to achieve the following goals:
By 2005, the technology will be available to produce hydrogen at the pump for $3.00 per gallon gasoline equivalent, and DOE wants to validate this technology by 2008. By 2010, the price goal is $1.50 per gallon of gasoline equivalent (untaxed) at the station.
Even $3 a gallon would save most of us money, since FCVs will be two to three times more efficient than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. If all the goals are met, FCVs offer the promise of energy at $1 a gallon – or less!
Read more about the benefits of hydrogen use.
Via: Fuel Cells 2000
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