HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS.ppt

HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS CURRENT AND FUTURE DESIGNS USE AS AN ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE RENEWABLE VS. CO2 GENERATING DISTRIBUTION METHODS AND COSTS SAFETY Molecular Hydrogen Facts Three times energy content of gasoline (120 Mj/kg vs. 44Mj/kg) Cost of liquefying it is 30 to 40% of its energy content Pipelines are 50% greater diameter than for gas (for equivalent energy transmission rate), so more $. Distribution doubles cost of production ($1.03/kg). Flammable concentration has a wide spread from 4% to 75%. Types of Fuel Cells Phosphoric Acid fuel cells: only commercially available. Since 1991, 250 units sold (until 2004). $4500/kW Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells. Vehicle transportation method because 25kW to 150kw size. Beta testing at $1500/kW by UTC Fuel Cells. Solid Oxide fuel cells. Currently operate using natural gas, but could use H. Unlike those above, no noble metals. Can operate up to 1000 c. Molecular Hydrogen Generation Three different scales of generation: Central Station, Midsize, and Distributed. Central Station: 1,080,000 kg/day would support 2M cars. Distributed by pipeline. Generated by fossil fuel or nuclear energy. Midsize: 21,600 kg/day would support 40k cars. Distributed by cryogenic truck. Generated by natural gas or biomass Distributed: 480 kg/day would support 800 cars. No distribution system needed. Renewable fuels used. Hydrogen Generation Electrolysis: from fossil fuels or renewable energy sources Fossil Fuels requires carbon sequestering (next slide) Hydroelectric, Nuclear Energy, Photovoltaic, grid based energy, wind power, have either periodic generation, which may not match usage, or have constant generation, which does not match usage. Energy storage at peak times is a problem for these energy sources that hydrogen generation could solve. Cost for all distributed (renewable) sources is two to five times cost of gasoline (2004) Carbon Dioxide Sequestering No advantage to Hydrogen production from fossil fuels as far as reducing Carbon Di