Hydrogen fuel cell cars are expensive and impractical. So why would we even consider them? With gasoline prices well over $4 per gallon and reduction of CO2 emissions a priority, all alternative fuels and future car technologies are getting a closer scrutiny these days. Not only that, if a proper infrastructure was created, Hydrogen could very well be the world’s next propulsion fuel. Its cheap and abundant. . . so what are we waiting for? What are they, and how do they work? Hydrogen can be burned in a combustion engine or be converted back into electricity through a fuel cell. In an internal combustion automotive engine, gasoline or hydrogen can be used in a dual-fuel system that will suffice until a widespread hydrogen infrastructure can be built. These dual fuel cell systems are much like the electric hybrids like Toyato’s Prius, yet they use hydrogen rather than electricity to supplement the gasoline. In the long-term, with an infrastructure in place, hydrogen-on-demand vehicles can use either a hydrogen compound for internal combustion, or a fuel cell can create electro-mechanical energy and water. A fuel cell isn’t as complicated as a conventional gas or diesel engine and isn’t subject to high temperatures, corrosion or some of the structural weaknesses found in other types of engines. This affords a flexibility and durability for Hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen is processed through the fuel cell and combined with oxygen to create electricity. This newly formed energy is sent to pistons to propel the car forward (or reverse if you like). These fuel cell cars promise zero emissions and pollutants, with the only tailpipe emission being water vapor. Fuel-Cells are basically a combination of a battery and an engine making them a very unique advancement in car propulsion systems. Every year more and more efficient fuel cells are churned out by engineers and factories propelling the hydrogen car possibilities forward. Fuel-Cell conventions and conglomerates abound and with more and more government grants focusing on Fuel-Cell and Hydrogen Car development, the future continues to get brighter for Hydrogen Fuel-Cell cars. While there is concern that putting hydrogen fuel cell cars on the road is as bad of an idea as was the ill-fated Hindenburg, experts say the two aren’t related, and recent advances in car technology include development of safe, on-board hydrogen storage systems. Infrastructure and hydrogen highways. If you’re not familiar with the term, a hydrogen highway is a chain of hydrogen-equipped filling stations along a road. What will it take to make it happen? Norway started the HyNor Project in 2006; Japan has several stations, as does Germany, and California now reports having 25 stations in place from San Diego to Sacramento. All of these stations will add to a momentum of change and will hopefully give rise to a new determination to improve on present Hydrogen powered vehicle prototypes in order to begin to switch our fleet of petroleum based cars. The Hydrogen car will arrive even if it takes time: The future is now.
Posts Tagged ‘High Temperatures’
Fuel-Cell Cars: The Wave of the Future?
December 24th, 2009How To Save Money On Gas With A Hydrogen Fuel Cell
December 1st, 2009As of this writing, the US is concerned about the oil supply coming through Russia, as there are renewed tensions there, and the US is also concerned about the upcoming hurricane season affecting the gulf oil drilling. Prices continue to rise on light sweet crude, and there really doesn’t seem to be any relief in sight. That has caused many consumers to consider other options in how to save money on gas.
One way to consider how to save money on gas is consider a hydrogen fuel module. This technology takes advantage of water, and improves gas mileage. Almost a century ago the technology was uncovered that allowed someone to take ordinary water, and by applying a small voltage to it, separate the water molecule into a burnable gas called HHO, or Brown’s gas. This technology does not allow you to drive on water alone but it does allow for a 50/50 conversion ration which will still go a long way in terms of helping with a tight budget.
The following are the 6 reasons why you should consider running your car on hydrogen fuel from water if you haven’t already converted your car to a water powered car.
1. Gas mileage is said to improve by as much as 20%, sometimes more. A twenty percent increase in mileage is almost enough to get your spend on gas to previous year pricing.
2. Hydrogen fuel offers more efficient and clean consumption of gas, minimizing build up of carbon in your engine. As a result of this, there will be less carbon deposits in the engine, saving you on engine maintenance cost in the future.
3. Operating temperature of a vehicle can be minimized by 20%, increasing the life of the engine. High temperatures have a way of breaking down the working mechanisms.
4. Because you use more efficient fuel, and you use less, you have a positive impact on the environment.
5. The cost of buying a conversion unit is significantly less than the cost of the purchase of a new hybrid vehicle.
6. Typically, your vehicle warrany is not voided by installation, as the unit can easily be removed.
The above are just some of the reasons why you should convert your car to run on water. You can get started using the water fuel technology in your car today. There are many companies that offer conversion kits, and there companies that offer guides to build your own. In general, the technology and techniques are the same. Check pricing before buying a kit or a guide.
By: Matt Chang
