Hydrogen Fuel Cells- A True Alternative to Gasoline?

By: Gregg Camp
Submitted: 2009-06-22 16:12:01
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There is present and future fuel alternative that is certainly gaining more notoriety. Hydrogen fuel cells are a potentially great way to address two of growing energy concerns in America today, including those living in La Selva Beach homes. The reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and lessening our dependence on foreign petroleum resources is extremely important. Hydrogen can be produced from abundant and diverse domestic resources, and the fuel cells in production and development can provide a clean and efficient way to use this energy. Together they represent an extremely different approach to energy conversion and transportation.

FCV's or fuel cell vehicles are propelled by electric motors. However, unlike battery electric vehicles, which gain their energy from an external source, FCVs create their own electricity. Just think, as you're driving back to your La Selva Beach home, you'll have both a clean fuel source, and the power you need to get the job done. The onboard fuel cells create electricity through a chemical process that uses hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air. The fuel is stored onboard in high pressure tanks. In addition, with the help of a "reformer" device, fuels such as natural gas, and methanol can be used after they have been converted to hydrogen gas. These vehicles are quiet, offer little emissions into the air besides water, and heat. In addition, their efficiency has been shown to be at least twice as comparable combustible vehicles.

In 1999, the members of the California Fuel Cell Partnership started to make progress towards creating and maintaining a commercial market for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. By 2008, a total of 250 fuel cell vehicles were driving down California roads, and refueling themselves at 25 stations scattered throughout the state. California is one of the first states to recognize hydrogen as an alternative fuel source, and subsequently began the regulation process to enable retail sales of the fuel. In July of 2008, members of CaFCP published a unifying vision for the expansion of hydrogen stations and fuel cell vehicles between now and 2017. 

At this time, automakers project that thousands of fuel cell vehicles will be available for California consumers by 2012, and the earliest examples will undoubtedly be constructed using both private and governmental funding. With the expected increase in fuel cell vehicles on California roads, an estimated $90 million dollars could potentially be spent to create the necessary infrastructure by 2013.

In a conference at the SAE 2009 World Congress in Detroit Michigan, people from Nissan, Toyota, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will most likely be an important component of the nation's transportation by 2050. The main reason for this delay is the fact that a new infrastructure must be created, or the old one needs to be drastically changed in order to incorporate hydrogen as a fuel. In addition, because of hydrogen's volatile nature, safety is of great importance. Thankfully, state of the art materials and techniques have made the fuel cells some of the safest sources for power on the grid today.

Making the switch to alternatively fueled vehicles is just one way that you can make sure that you grow, and the environment is preserved. Making the right choice for you is dependant on a number of factors, including the availability of the fuel, performance of the vehicle, and your desired impact on the environment. Before making any decision, do the proper research, and chances are you'll make the right one for you.

Article source: Expert Articles