Most people think of electric cars as the only alternative to the internal combustion engine that relies on fossil fuels, but they aren’t the only option. Hydrogen fuel cells are beginning to find a niche in the clean energy industry, though they don’t have the same support as EVs.
Researchers are looking for better ways to get this technology into the mainstream. Here’s how they are working to improve charging times and safety for these new green vehicles.
A Highly Flammable Fuel Source
The Hindenburg zeppelin is one of the most memorable examples of using hydrogen as fuel. This flying machine utilized hydrogen’s lighter-than-air characteristic to keep it aloft. Unfortunately, when this flammable fuel source ignited, it destroyed the zeppelin and took the lives of 13 passengers, 22 crew and one ground worker.
Thankfully, hydrogen fuel cells don’t present the same risk — but their refueling stations might. A hydrogen plant exploded in Long View, North Carolina, in 2020 and damaged or destroyed more than 60 homes. Thankfully there were no injuries in this case, but imagine what could happen if a fueling station explodes when people are standing next to their cars.
Hydrogen fuel cells work by combining hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity. This reaction only emits oxygen and water, so there’s no exhaust to worry about. There’s also no risk of explosion like on the Hindenburg, but there are ways to make this highly flammable fuel source safer moving forward.
Additionally, hydrogen fuel cells also pose a lower environmental risk. Like litium ion batteries, which don’t leak battery acid as they corrode, hydrogen fuel cells won’t harm the environment through corrosion and leaking toxic materials.
They’re already much more efficient than internal combustion engines, which operate at 25%. Hydrogen fuel cells are more than 80% efficient, but it’s vital to ensure working with hydrogen is as safe as refilling at the gas station.
The Center for Hydrogen Safety is working with more than 400 reports dating back to the 1960s to develop new codes and standards that will become the foundation for the country’s hydrogen infrastructure.
Better Charging Times
Combining two hydrogen atoms with one oxygen atom creates water. Making these bonds is how a hydrogen fuel cell generates energy — but this isn’t the only way water produces power. Approximately 7% of the country’s electricity comes from hydropower. Massive dams use turbines activated by moving water sources to power homes and businesses. Hydropower is an excellent option for keeping the lights on, but it’s a bit too bulky to fit under the hood of a car.
Current fuel cell technology uses metal hydride to store the hydrogen that generates electricity. Unfortunately, this substance has a low thermal conductivity, which means it discharges and charges slowly. New methods are necessary to turn hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into something that can compete with EVs.
Metal hydride hydrogen is ideal for long-term storage, providing a source of thermal or electrical energy as needed. Still, it doesn’t work well for the quick charging times that would make hydrogen fuel cells competitive with internal combustion engines.
Researchers have found that employing systems for faster heat removal can help improve charging times. Equipping them with a semi-cylindrical heat coil improved heat transfer and reduced charging times by 59%.
Hydrogen fuel cell charging times are already substantially faster than electric vehicles, but it is still slower than popping into a gas station and filling up the tank. This new technology could help make them more competitive and encourage eco-conscious buyers to opt for hydrogen over battery-powered EVs.
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Creating a Greener Future
Reducing fossil fuel reliance is one of the most significant steps toward reducing carbon footprints and preventing the looming climate crisis. The number of people who own one or more vehicles means an alternative for everyday transportation is needed, especially in areas where public transit isn’t an option. Cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells could compete with EVs for the top spot in building a greener future.
Jane Marsh, Contributor
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