Hydrogen Cell - Fuel of the Future?

by Steve Auger
Technorati: 3bex7sy9nj

Part 1:  This is the first post in a series on hydrogen fuel cells and their use in automobiles.  This post was originally published Sept 28.2008.

When it comes to next-generation vehicles, the hydrogen fuel cell is one of the most controversial topics.  The technology promises zero emissions (water vapor) and may potentially eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels.  There is an abundance of hydrogen and can be used far into the future.  BUT ... and this is a big BUT ... hydrogen is one of the least efficient fuel alternatives, the recurring production fuel cell cost will be high and the infrastructure will not available for years or perhaps decades.

What is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell?

A hydrogen fuel cell essentially produces the opposite of electrolysis.  Electrolysis separates hydrogen and oxygen from water by the application of electricity.  A hydrogen fuel cell requires hydrogen and oxygen as inputs and produces electricity and heat.  Some fuel cells can use air instead of oxygen as input.

The operation of a fuel cell is somewhat akin to a battery.  But a fuel cell does not require recharging so long as fuel (hydrogen and oxygen) is supplied.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell History

The hydrogen fuel cell can be traced as far back as 1839 when Sir William Robert Grove mixed oxygen and hydrogen and produced electricity and water, the opposite of electrolysis.  Although the experiment produced electricity, it wasn't enough to be useful.  It wasn't until the late 1950s that the fuel cell became a reality.  In 1959 Francis T Bacon demonstrated a 5KWatt fuel cell, known as the "Bacon Cell", and was capable of powering a welding machine.  The same year, Chalmers Manufacturing Co. demonstrated a 20hp tractor, the first vehicle ever powered by a fuel cell.

NASA got into the act in the 1960s.  Nuclear power was deemed to be too risky and batteries were too large and bulky.  Fuel cell technology seemed ideal for the Gemini and Apollo space capsules. General Electric was contracted to produce the hydrogen cell to fuel the electrical power system for these space vehicles.  The same fuel cells provided the drinking water for the crew.

Part II:  The next post will cover hydrogen cell theory, fuel cell applications and the different types available.

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