Fuel Cell Auto - Future?

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell will likely be the energy source of the future for individual transportation. Meaning that we will someday be primarily driving vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

It is only a matter of time, (and prices at the gas pump), before this technology receives the attention it deserves.

Here’s an example from Honda of where the current technology is. This is an image of the Honda FCX Clarity, a stylish looking hydrogen fuel cell car (only leased in small numbers to select California Residents)

The most distinctive feature of the Honda FCX Clarity - Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle—other than the fuel cell itself—is the streamlined layout made possible by its compact and efficient powertrain components.

The fuel cell combines hydrogen with oxygen to make electricity. The electricity then powers the electric motor, which in turn propels the vehicle. Water is the only byproduct the Hydrogen Fuel as a Future Secondary Energy Source leaves behind.

How to make hydrogen?
Hydrogen can be created from the following primary energy resources and more. An electrolizer is for (at filling stations) - producing hydrogen from electricity and water.

• fossil fuels to hydrogen
• biofuels to hydrogen
• hydro power to electricity and water (split apart into elements) to hydrogen
• solar power to electricity and water (split apart into elements) to hydrogen
• geothermal to electricity and water (split apart into elements) to hydrogen

Hydrogen can even be made from hydrocarbons, effectively being made from the very pollution that threatens the future of the current energy system, making double use for the same primary energy sources, whether algae or hydro power.

Storing the hydrogen
Converting the hydrogen from a liquid or gas which can’t currently be stored as efficiently as gasoline into fuel cells consisting of metal allows or other high hydrogen content substances is one possible way to overcome the storage problem. Storage will continue to be a challenge until the capacity approaches that of a conventional tank of gasoline.

Hydrogen refueling should however be fairly easy and it may even be possible in the future to charge your hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle at home using household electricity and water, the natural gas supply, or one of another possible methods of easily creating the hydrogen.

For more detailed information about hydrogen, check out this video of Hydrogen Hopes, hosted by Alan Alda.

Learn about where we are with hydrogen fuel cell technology and where we are likely to go from here in this informative, fascinating episode of the PBS Television Series Scientific American Frontiers

Season 15 : Episode 6 |26:08|

We’ve all heard of hydrogen as the fuel of the future, but what will it take to get there from here?

Video Episode Courtesy of Hulu.Com