
The proton moves through the membrane to reach the anode, whereas the electron is forced to follow an alternate path which creates usable electricity for the vehicle’s motor and other applications. The catalyst separates hydrogen into its components-a proton and an electron. In its simplest form, a PEM fuel cell is two electrodes-the anode and the cathode-separated by a catalyst-coated membrane.


Fuel cell electric vehicles use a PEM fuel cell-proton exchange membrane. What is a Fuel Cell?Ī fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. Hydrogen fuel cells are also fairly light on maintenance as they include very few moving parts. Fuel cells do not degrade as fast when utilized over longer periods of time and different use-cycles, allowing them to be used for more than 10 years without requiring replacement. Hydrogen canīe stored for long periods of time, unlike batteries which lose charge. large warehouses, and do not lose performance like batteries when they run near empty. Hydrogen fuel cells can be used safely indoors, e.g. Refueling with hydrogen is fast, similarly to gasoline vehicles, and thus does not require a change in behavior by adopters of the technology. Hydrogen is scalable, and can power any vehicle in any size, from bikes to heavy-duty long haul trucks, buses, ships and planes. Hydrogen fuel cells are silent operating, decreasing noise pollution in traffic and increasing the livability of communities. and thus help create an energy economy that does not contribute to climate change. Hydrogen is an energy carrier like electricity, and can be produced from nearly any energy resource, including renewable resources like wind, solar, biomass, etc. It is a zero-emission fuel, which means that using hydrogen does not create any emissions, greatly benefiting local health near roads, interstates and areas of high emissions like industrial centers or ports. Hydrogen is a very versatile and unique fuel that has many properties that would make it a perfect fuel for any advanced energy society.
HYDROGEN STATIONS NEAR ME PORTABLE
Hydrogen also has the potential to be used as stationary power (for buildings), backup power, storage of energy harvested through wind and solar processes, and as battery-like portable power (most commonly used in forklifts today). In recent years, the focus has turned to Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), which have lower green house gas emissions than their gasoline counterparts. Historically, NASA has been the primary user of hydrogen resources for its space program-it fueled the shuttles using liquid hydrogen and employs backup hydrogen fuel cells for electricity. Since Hydrogen can be made from many different sources, every region of the world has the potential to produce its own fuel, which ultimately benefits the environment and the local economy. Today, most hydrogen is made from natural gas, some from electrolysis of water and some from bio-methane. Hydrogen is “produced” by breaking the chemical bonds in the molecules that form these substances. However, naturally occurring atomic hydrogen is rare on earth since it readily combines with other elements to form molecules such as water, methane (natural gas) and methanol. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. Can Hydrogen or Fuel Cells explode or self-ignite?.The Hindenburg exploded – can that happen with other hydrogen uses too?.How versatile are Hydrogen energy and Fuel Cells?.Why make hydrogen from renewable energy?Īpplications for Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cells.How can I get a station in my neighborhood?.What regulatory changes are needed to accelerate the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure?.to establish a robust infrastructure network? How many hydrogen fueling stations will be needed in California and in the U.S.

HYDROGEN STATIONS NEAR ME PDF
Download the Hydrogen FAQs PDF here > Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cells
