Why is hydrogen fuel cell technology?

What’s the first thing you think of in a conversation about “clean energy”? Solar cell panels, wind turbines, maybe even electric cars. But, what if one element, yes, ONE ELEMENT, could generate enough energy to power cities. Let’s take a look.

The big idea

First, let us explore what a fuel cell is. Well, it is a device that converts chemical energy into electric energy. Unlike a battery which stores energy and runs out, it can be recharged with a fuel and can be reused. This is what makes it a potential source of sustainable energy.

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. It exists as part of the atmosphere, and as water. And scientists are exploring its potential as renewable energy. As the name suggests, hydrogen fuel cell technology uses hydrogen to produce electricity without burning.

India’s first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell catamaran ferry vessel built by the Cochin Shipyard. 
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu

The mechanism

There are two electrodes within a hydrogen fuel cell: an anode (negatively charged electrode) and cathode (positively charged electrode). A reaction takes place at both of these electrodes with the help of an electrolyte and a catalyst. This in turn generates electricity, leaving behind water as waste. Let us break the procedure down into a few simple steps:

1. Hydrogen atoms enter near the anode. Oxygen enters the cathode.
2. Hydrogen atoms are separated into protons and electrons by a catalyst.
3. The protons are positively charged as they pass through the membrane to the cathode. The electrons are negatively charged and hence, can’t pass through the membrane, so they are forced through a circuit which generates electricity.
4. The electrons and protons meet at the cathode to combine with oxygen to produce water and heat as by-products.

Pros and cons

There are many benefits as there are hiccups with this kind of energy generation.

• Little to no emissions: The only by-products are water and heat, no greenhouse gases.
• High efficiency: This may be shocking, but hydrogen fuel cells have a higher efficiency on electricity generation as opposed to an internal combustion engine. 33-35% efficiency for internal combustion engines, and roughly up to 60% efficiency for hydrogen fuel cells.
• Reliability and low noise: A fuel cell contains far fewer moving parts than a combustion engine, making it easy to maintain and repair. Fewer parts also mean less noise.

So, with all its perks, why is it so hard to implement? Well, pure hydrogen is not easily accessible, and must be produced. This process can be expensive and energy-demanding.

Storage and transport are also difficult because hydrogen is highly flammable. Infrastructure like fuel stations are also limited.

New battery technology. Hydrogen fuel cells Illustration.
| Photo Credit:
Rich Townsend

In implementation

In spite of the above hiccups, hydrogen fuel cell technology is in use, although very limited.

Hyundai’s Nexo, launched in 2018, is one of the few hydrogen fuel cell powered cars which offers over 800 km of range and fast refuelling. Toyota also has a hydrogen fuel cell car of its own called the Toyota Mirai.

Cities around the world are also testing its implementation in transport. Some examples include ‘HYBARI’, a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid train, in Japan. The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority in the U.S. has introduced a hydrogen hybrid train for commuting.

All in all, hydrogen fuel cell technology shows how scientific thought can contribute to clean energy. Even with its challenges, it has a lot of potential in contributing towards a greener and cleaner planet.