2. Was doing electrolysis
William Robert Grove
And in a way discovered fuel cell as reverse of it
3. Introduction
What is a fuel cell ?
How it works ?
What are the functions of it ?
How it can be used for driving vehicle ?
What are the basic components of a FCV ?
What are advantages of using it over
conventional IC engines ?
4. Fuel cell
Make use of Electrochemical process
Hydrogen + oxygen water + electricity+ heat
Storage tank Air
Provide energy for systems as large as a
utility power station and as small as a laptop
9. Fuel cell vehicle
FCVs are the vehicle which run on the
hydrogen rather than gasoline
Emits no harmful gases
It uses PEM fuel cell
[Source: www.futurecars.com ]
10. Concept of fuel cell vehicle
Cells are grouped into
stack.
A hydrogen fuel cell
automobile would have at
least 45 cells in a stack.
Hydrogen is stored and
injected in either liquid or
gas form.
Output is only water or
vapor
[ Source: Automotive fuel cell corporation ]
11. Working of fuel cell vehicle
•Hydrogen fuel and oxygen from air are channeled
through field flow plates on opposite sides of fuel cell.
•At anode hydrogen splits into hydrogen ion (positive
ion) and into electron (negative ion).
•Electrons travel through an external circuit creating
electric current.
•At cathode water is formed.
•This electrical energy is converted into mechanical
energy with the help of electric motors.
12. Components of fuel cell FCV
[ Source: “ABCs of Automotive Fuel cells” Ron Sims
13. Hydrogen storage tank
Carbon fiber composite tank
Plastic liner
Aluminum polar bosses
Pressure around 10000 psi
[ Source: “Composite Comfortable Pressure Vessel” U. S. Patent No.5 ]
15. Fuel cell vehicle efficiency
Fuel cell efficiency
Eff. = Vactual /1.2 v
Electric work done = charge *voltage = -2FE Joules
Fuel cell system efficiency
Also called Plant to wheel efficiency
[ Source: American national standards institute ]
17. Refueling of HFCV
Hydrogen can be used as on board fuel
A flexible connection between car and dispenser
Only few refueling stations over worldwide
[ Source: EV World, “Hydrogen Car Fire Surprise” ]
19. Comparative analysis of FCV
Well to wheel efficiency
FCV is 22 % efficient
ICE is 15 % efficient
20. Advantages & disadvantages of FCV
Advantages
Efficiency is largely independent of load
Less complicated then ICE vehicle
Quitter operation
No structural weaknesses
Zero emission
Disadvantages
High cost
On board hydrogen storage
Production of hydrogen at energy plants creates
much CO2
H2 is very flammable gas
21. Status of fuel cell vehicle technology
Performance Reliability
Safety Longevity
Comfort Package/weight
Freeze start Cost
Range
22. Technological challenges
Vehicle cost
On board hydrogen storage
Fuel cell durability & reliability
Getting hydrogen to consumers
Public acceptance
[ Source: Photo courtesy of HONDA ]