23-05-2012, 12:05 PM
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
HydrogenFuelCell.pdf (Size: 9.27 MB / Downloads: 211)
What is a Fuel Cell?
A Fuel Cell is an electrochemical device
that combines hydrogen and oxygen to
produce electricity, with water and heat
as its by-product
Why is Fuel Cell Technology Important?
Since conversion of the fuel to energy
takes place via an electrochemical
process, not combustion
It is a clean, quiet and highly efficient
process- two to three times more efficient
than fuel burning.
How does a Fuel Cell work?
It operates similarly to a battery, but it
does not run down nor does it require
recharging
As long as fuel is supplied, a Fuel Cell
will produce both energy and heat
Importance of Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a secondary energy
resource, meaning it must be made from
another fuel
Hydrogen can be produced from a wide
variety of energy resources including:
Fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal
Nuclear energy
Renewable resources, such as solar,water,
wind and biomass
Hydrogen Production
Natural Gas Reforming
Steam Methane Reforming
Hydrogen is produced from methane in natural
gas using high-temperature steam
Methane reacts with the steam in presence of a
catalyst to produce hydrogen
This process accounts for about 95% of the
hydrogen used today in the U.S.
Partial oxidation
Produces hydrogen by burning methane in air
Conclusion
Promising technology
Most viable for niche market use in the
near future
Widespread marketplace acceptance and
use is still many years away
HydrogenFuelCell.pdf (Size: 9.27 MB / Downloads: 211)
What is a Fuel Cell?
A Fuel Cell is an electrochemical device
that combines hydrogen and oxygen to
produce electricity, with water and heat
as its by-product
Why is Fuel Cell Technology Important?
Since conversion of the fuel to energy
takes place via an electrochemical
process, not combustion
It is a clean, quiet and highly efficient
process- two to three times more efficient
than fuel burning.
How does a Fuel Cell work?
It operates similarly to a battery, but it
does not run down nor does it require
recharging
As long as fuel is supplied, a Fuel Cell
will produce both energy and heat
Importance of Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a secondary energy
resource, meaning it must be made from
another fuel
Hydrogen can be produced from a wide
variety of energy resources including:
Fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal
Nuclear energy
Renewable resources, such as solar,water,
wind and biomass
Hydrogen Production
Natural Gas Reforming
Steam Methane Reforming
Hydrogen is produced from methane in natural
gas using high-temperature steam
Methane reacts with the steam in presence of a
catalyst to produce hydrogen
This process accounts for about 95% of the
hydrogen used today in the U.S.
Partial oxidation
Produces hydrogen by burning methane in air
Conclusion
Promising technology
Most viable for niche market use in the
near future
Widespread marketplace acceptance and
use is still many years away