Transcript Document
HYDROGEN GAS
• Hydrogen gas is
NOT a fuel but an
alternative energy
carrier, much like
electricity.
• Can be used to heat
buildings, power
factories, fuel
automobiles and
planes.
Electrolysis of Water
• Electrolysis
– Uses electricity to split
water molecules into
hydrogen and oxygen.
– Dept. of Energy (DOE)concluded that this is
not the method to use
for large quantities of
hydrogen production.
Fuel Cells
• Used in some cars
and buses
• Can store
hydrogen and use
it to produce
electricity to
power the
automobile
The Technology
Fueling Stations
• Only 36
fueling
stations
currently
existing in the
U.S.
Timeline
Advantages
• Renewable
• Emits no toxins – hydrogen burns cleanly with
only water vapor as a product
• Leaves no environmental scars
• Could stimulate US jobs and economic growth
• Reduce dependence on foreign oil
Disadvantages
• Not currently developed enough to rely on as
a steady source of energy – technology,
transportation of gas
• Low net energy yield
• Has to be generated; would take large
amounts of energy to do so
• Storing hydrogen is difficult in a vehicle
ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES (AFVs)
and HYBRID CARS
Extending the Life of Fossil Fuels
Energy Efficiency of Cars with
Internal Combustion Engines
Internal combustion engines
are only 6% efficient…..94%
is wasted
Style
• Smaller; more
aerodynamic
• Use lightweight
body
construction
– Fiberglass
– Carbon fiber
– Aluminum
• Nissan Leaf
SMART Cars
Features
• Use gasoline for
acceleration and hillclimbing
• Use an electrical
engine, allows gasoline
engine to shut off
when coasting or
stopped
• Heat energy generated
during braking is
recovered and
converted into
electrical energy
• Nissan Leaf electronic
control unit
Nissan Leaf Lithium-ion Battery Pack
Features
• Home electric plug-in
system
Weaknesses
• Energy-storage system
• Travel distance