1. Hydrogen Storage: Hydrogen is stored in a high-pressure tank onboard the vehicle. The hydrogen is typically compressed to around 700-1000 bar (10,000-15,000 psi).
2. Fuel Cell Reaction: The heart of a hydrogen car is its fuel cell. Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen gas (H2) reacts with oxygen (O2) from the air to produce electricity, water, and heat. The chemical reaction that takes place in the fuel cell is:
2H2 + O2 → 2H2O + Heat + Electricity
3. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM): Within the fuel cell, there's a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) that separates the hydrogen and oxygen molecules. The PEM allows positively charged hydrogen ions (protons) to pass through while blocking electrons.
4. Electricity Generation: As hydrogen ions pass through the PEM, they combine with oxygen molecules and electrons on the other side of the membrane. This reaction generates an electric current that powers the vehicle's electric motor.
5. Electric Motor: The electricity produced by the fuel cell powers an electric motor that drives the wheels of the vehicle. Similar to an electric car, the electric motor provides the necessary torque and speed to propel the car.
6. Water as a Byproduct: The only emission from a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is water vapor. The chemical reaction in the fuel cell produces pure water as a byproduct, which is released through the exhaust system.
7. Hydrogen Refueling: Hydrogen cars can be refueled at hydrogen fueling stations. Hydrogen refueling is similar to refueling a gasoline-powered car, but it requires specialized equipment and trained personnel.
Advantages of Hydrogen Cars:
- Zero Emissions: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles emit only water vapor, making them environmentally friendly and contributing to cleaner air.
- High Efficiency: Hydrogen fuel cells are very efficient in converting hydrogen into electricity, resulting in greater driving range compared to gasoline-powered vehicles.
- Quick Refueling: Hydrogen refueling can be relatively quick, similar to refueling a gasoline-powered car.
Challenges of Hydrogen Cars:
- Hydrogen Production and Infrastructure: Currently, hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure are limited, making hydrogen refueling stations scarce.
- High Production Costs: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and the infrastructure required for hydrogen production and distribution are still expensive.
- Hydrogen Storage: Storing hydrogen in a compressed form requires high-pressure tanks, which can be bulky and add weight to the vehicle.
Overall, hydrogen cars offer a promising alternative to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles in terms of sustainability and efficiency. However, challenges related to hydrogen production, infrastructure, and costs need to be addressed for widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
