Fuel Cell Technologies for Automotive Applications

Ajay Ahuja; Dr. D. R. Waghole; Dr. Sushil S. Ramdasi

Abstract

About 175 years have passed since the invention of the Fuel Cell by Schoenbein und Grove, however, fuel cell-based automobiles have received increased attention in the last few years due to growing public concern over urban air pollution and consequent environmental problems. Direct combustion of fuel for transportation accounts for over half of greenhouse gas emissions and a significant fraction of air pollutant emissions. Fuel cell power systems for automotive applications have the potential for high fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The energy demand depends greatly on driving characteristics, however from the power analysis and the power and energy requirements of a modern car, it is estimated that normal usage is expected to be 200 Wh/km. Hydrogen can be used in two ways to run Fuel Cells, firstly the fuel can be converted directly in the fuel cell, or it may be reformed to hydrogen to store on the vehicle.