Fuel Cell Drive Myth

2008-10-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

Fuel cells myth

A fuel cell works on the principle of hydrolysis, whereby hydrogen and oxygen are combined, with the aid of a catalyst, to produce water with energy as a by-product.

Simple:
2H2+O2=2H2O
In a typical PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) cell, each electrode is a carbon-based substrate coated with a platinum catalyst which, at the anode, causes hydrogen to split into protons and electrons, its two major component parts. The protons carry a positive charge and move across the polymer electrolyte towards the cathode, while the electrons take a different route through the external electrical circuit set up between the anode and the cathode. Once in the cathode, the protons, electrons and oxygen react to form water and heat.

Phosphoric acid fuel cell, (PAFC), can be used like generators, deliver as much as 11MWatts of power. Another kind of fuel cells, still under research is: Alkaline (KOH).
Direct Methanol
Use in automotive industry is mainly developed by Daimler Chrysler and Ballard Mark. They developed cars with 75 up to 80 KW power. This is equivalent range of 107 HP (Horse Power), it is small range of existing vehicles. Speed is around 90mph, with need for refueling on 280 miles.

Now why sustainable myth?

The only catalyst for fuel cell is platinum. This is absolutely key of fuel cell function and cost. Consider a fuel cell, for car, need 8 to 10 grams. Only 10% of American cars, need half million ounces, of Platinum. For future growth consider this like yearly need. This is around 14.5 tones only for 10% of US cars. Consider price of Platinum $500 per ounce. Consider complete world necessities. And finally consider world resources can’t cover these necessities. Some experiments are done with Iridium, but it doesn’t change problem.

Resources for article:

fuel cell myths

Fuel Cell Drive Myth

Now why sustainable myth?

Related Articles

Future Evolution of Energy