A

Seminar report
on
HYDROGEN FUEL CELL IN AUTOMOBILE

Seminar Report submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

Of

Bachelor of Technology

in

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Submitted by

HARSH DIXIT

(Roll. No. CSJMA20001390295)

Under the Guidance of

Dr. Ramendra Singh Niranjan
(Assistant Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering)

Department of Mechanical Engineering

University Institute of Engineering and Technology,
CSJM University, Kanpur –208024

May – 2023
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the work presented in this report entitled

“HYDROGEN FUEL CELL IN AUTOMOBILE", was carried out
by me. I have not submitted the matter embodied in this report for the
award of any other degree or diploma of any other University or
Institute.

I have given due credit to the original authors/sources for all the
words, ideas, diagrams, graphics, computer programs, experiments,
results, that are not my original contribution. I have used quotation
marks to identify verbatim sentences and given credit to the original
authors/sources.

HARSH DIXIT

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Regd.No -CSJMA20001390295
 University Institute of Engineering and Technology
School Of Engineering and Technology, Kanpur

Department Of Mechanical Engineering

CERTIFICATE

This is certified that the seminar entitled “HYDRPGEN FUEL CELL IN

AUTOMOBILE” has been carried out by HARSH DIXIT under the guidance
in partial fulfillment of the degree of Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical
Engineering of C.S.J.M University, Kanpur during the academic year 2022-
2023. To the best of my acknowledge and belief this world has not been
submitted elsewhere for the award of any other degree.

I wish her/him success in all future endeavors.

Guide Head of the Department

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to my guide Dr.
Ramendra Singh Niranjan, Of Mechanical Engineering for his
unflagging support and continuous encouragement throughout the
seminar work. Without his guidance and persistent help this report
would not have been possible,

I must acknowledge the faculties and staffs of Mechanical

Engineering Rajesh Kumar Prasad, Er. Yastuti Rao Gautam, Er.
Vikash Katiyar, Shishupal Singh, Er. Mukesh Kumar Verma
and Er. Ranbir Mukhya.
For guiding me throughout my work and helping me in understanding the
concepts.

It's my great pleasure to acknowledge my colleagues for providing

support and motivation during my whole work. I am especially
grateful to my parents for supporting me and providing me the best
education facilities. Without their blessings I could not have
progressed so far.

HARSH DIXIT
(Roll No. -CSJMA20001390295)

i
 ABSTRACT

The use of hydrogen fuel cells in automobiles has gained significant attention
as a promising alternative to traditional combustion engines and battery-
powered electric vehicles. This abstract provides an overview of the
technology, advantages, and challenges associated with hydrogen fuel cells in
the automotive industry.

Hydrogen fuel cells convert the chemical energy stored in hydrogen gas and
oxygen from the air into electricity through an electrochemical process. This
electricity then powers an electric motor, providing propulsion for the vehicle.
The only byproduct of this process is water, making hydrogen fuel cells an
environmentally friendly solution with zero direct emissions.

One of the primary advantages of hydrogen fuel cells in automobiles is their

high energy efficiency. Fuel cells can achieve conversion efficiencies of over
60%, which is significantly higher than internal combustion engines. This
efficiency, combined with the abundance of hydrogen as an element, positions
fuel cells as a viable option for long-range, zero-emission transportation.

Moreover, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer several other benefits. They
provide fast refueling times, comparable to conventional gasoline vehicles, and
have a longer driving range compared to battery electric vehicles. Fuel cell
vehicles also maintain consistent performance regardless of the state of charge
of the fuel cell, eliminating range anxiety associated with battery electric
vehicles.

ii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.2: Hydrogen fuel supply system 4

Figure 3: Electric motor 9

Figure 4.1: Fuel cell 12

Figure 5: Future of hydrogen fuel cell 14

iii
 TABLE OF CONTENT
Acknowledgement i

Abstract ii

List of Figures iii

1. Hydrogen fuel cell in automobile 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 literature survey 2

2. Components of Hydrogen fuel cell 6

2.1 Electric car 6

2.2 Electric motor and battery 6

2.3 Hydrogen fuel tank 7

3. Working of hydrogen fuel 8

4. Overview of hydrogen fuel cell 10

4.1 Types of hydrogen 11

5. Future scope of hydrogen fuel cell 13

6. Principal challenges to fcv adoption 15

7. Conclusion 18

8. Reference 19
 CHAPTER 1

HYDROGEN FUEL CELL IN AUTOMOBILE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising alternative to traditional internal combustion

engines in automobiles. They offer a clean and efficient method of converting
hydrogen gas into electricity, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions. The introduction of
hydrogen fuel cells in automobiles represents a significant step towards reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.

In a hydrogen fuel cell system, hydrogen gas is fed into the fuel cell stack, where it
reacts with oxygen from the air. This electrochemical reaction generates electricity,
which can be used to power an electric motor that propels the vehicle. The only
byproduct of this reaction is water vapor, making hydrogen fuel cells a truly
environmentally friendly technology.

One of the key advantages of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is their long driving range.
They can travel similar distances to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles,
addressing one of the main limitations of battery electric vehicles. Additionally,
refueling a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is relatively quick and comparable to refueling
a conventional car, taking only a few minutes.

The automotive industry has been actively exploring hydrogen fuel cell technology,
and several automakers have introduced or announced plans to release hydrogen-
powered vehicles. These include companies like Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and
Mercedes-Benz, among others. These vehicles aim to provide consumers with a zero-

1
emission transportation option that offers both performance and convenience.
However, there are still challenges to overcome for widespread adoption of hydrogen
fuel cell vehicles. One major challenge is the lack of hydrogen infrastructure,
including refueling stations. Currently, hydrogen refueling stations are limited in
number and primarily concentrated in certain regions. Building a robust and accessible
hydrogen infrastructure network is crucial to supporting the growth of hydrogen-
powered automobiles.

Cost is another factor that affects the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The
production and distribution of hydrogen can be expensive compared to traditional
fuels. However, ongoing research and technological advancements are driving down
costs and improving the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cell systems.

1.2 LITERARURE SURVEY

History of Hydrogen fuel cell in automobile

The history of hydrogen fuel cells in automobiles dates back several decades and has
seen significant progress in recent years. Here is a brief overview of the key
milestones:

1. Early Development (1960s-1970s):

- The concept of fuel cells was first introduced in the early 19th century, but it wasn't
until the 1960s that researchers began exploring their application in automobiles.

- General Motors (GM) developed the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle prototype, the
Electrovan, in 1966. It used a fuel cell system to power an electric motor.

2. Advancements and Challenges (1980s-1990s):

- In the 1980s, fuel cell research received increased attention due to concerns over
energy security and environmental issues.

- Automakers, including GM, Ford, and Daimler-Benz, initiated research programs

2
focused on hydrogen fuel cells for vehicles.

Challenges included the high cost of fuel cells, limited hydrogen infrastructure, and
the need for advances in materials and system integration.

3. Demonstrations and Public Awareness (2000s):

- In 2000, GM introduced the HydroGen1, the world's first purpose-built fuel cell
vehicle prototype. It featured improvements in fuel cell technology and had a range
of about 200 miles. - Toyota and Honda also began developing their cell vehicle
prototypes during this period.

- Governments and organizations worldwide started demonstrating fuel cell vehicles

to promote public awareness and support further research and development.

4. Commercialization Efforts (2010s-present):

- In 2013, Hyundai introduced the Tucson Fuel Cell, the world's first commercially
available hydrogen fuel cell vehicle for lease in the United States.

- Toyota launched the Mirai in 2014, a fuel cell vehicle designed for mass
production.

- Other automakers, including Honda and Mercedes-Benz, followed suit with their
own fuel cell vehicle offerings in subsequent years.

- The development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure continued, with efforts to

expand stations in regions such as California, Japan, and Germany.

5. Recent Developments:

- In recent years, hydrogen fuel cell technology has gained further attention as a
potential solution for zero-emission transportation.

- Automakers are working on improving the performance, durability, and cost-

effectiveness of fuel cell systems.

- Efforts are being made to expand hydrogen refueling infrastructure globally, with
a focus on collaboration between governments, automakers, and energy companies.

3
 Fig 1.2: Hydrogen fuel supply system

Advantages

1. Zero Emissions: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions. The
only byproduct of a hydrogen fuel cell is water vapor, making them environmentally
friendly and contributing to improved air quality.

2. Range and Refueling Time: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles typically have a longer
driving range compared to battery electric vehicles. They can be refueled in a matter of
minutes, similar to refueling a gasoline or diesel vehicle, providing a familiar and
convenient refueling experience.

3. Fast Refueling: Unlike electric vehicles that require hours to charge, refueling a
hydrogen fuel cell vehicle takes just a few minutes. This eliminates concerns about long
charging times and helps overcome "range anxiety."

4. Energy Efficiency: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can achieve higher energy efficiency

4
compared to traditional ICE vehicles. They convert hydrogen fuel into electricity
through an electrochemical process with efficiency levels up to two to three times
higher than internal combustion engines.

5. Versatility: Hydrogen fuel cells can power a variety of vehicles, including cars,
buses, trucks, and even trains. This versatility makes hydrogen fuel cell technology
suitable for a wide range of transportation applications.
6. Scalability: Hydrogen production can be scaled up to meet the increasing demand for
fuel cell vehicles. As the infrastructure develops, hydrogen can be generated from
various sources, including renewable energy, providing a pathway towards
sustainable transportation.
LIMITATIONS
While hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have several advantages, they also face some
limitations and challenges. Here are some key limitations of hydrogen fuel cell
vehicles:

1. Limited Hydrogen Infrastructure: One of the major challenges for hydrogen fuel cell
vehicles is the limited availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure. The
establishment of an extensive network of hydrogen stations requires significant
investments and coordination among governments, energy companies, and
automakers. As a result, hydrogen refueling stations are currently concentrated in
specific regions, limiting the widespread adoption of fuel cell vehicles.

2. Cost and Complexity: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are currently more expensive to
produce compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles or battery
electric vehicles. Fuel cells require expensive materials such as platinum as catalysts,
which increases the overall cost. Additionally, the complex nature of fuel cell systems
adds to the manufacturing and maintenance costs.

3. Hydrogen Production and Distribution: The production and distribution of hydrogen

face challenges. Currently, the majority of hydrogen is produced from natural gas
through a process called steam methane reforming, which generates carbon
emissions. Expanding the production of hydrogen from renewable sources is crucial
to minimize the environmental impact. Moreover, the transportation and storage of
hydrogen require special infrastructure due to its low energy density and high
flammability.

5
 CHAPTER-2
COMPONENTS OF HYDROGEN FUEL CELL

2.1 ELECTRIC CAR

Battery pack: In addition to supplying additional power to the electric traction

motor, this high-voltage battery stores energy produced during regenerative
braking.

DC/DC converter: The traction battery pack's higher voltage DC power is

converted by this device into the lower-voltage DC power required to operate
the vehicle's accessories and replenish the auxiliary battery.

Electric traction motor (FCEV): This motor moves the wheels of the vehicle
by drawing energy from the traction battery pack and fuel cell. Some
automobiles employ motor generators that serve as both drives and
regenerators.

Fuel cell stack: An arrangement of individual membrane electrodes that

generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen.

Fuel filler: To fill the tank, a gasoline dispenser's nozzle is connected to the
vehicle's receptacle.

Power electronics controller (FCEV): This device controls the electric

traction motor's speed and torque by managing the flow of electrical energy
produced by the fuel cell and the traction battery. Thermal system (cooling) -
(FCEV): The fuel cell, electric motor, power electronics, and other parts of the
system are all kept within a safe operating temperature range by this system
Transmission (electric): To move the wheels, the transmission converts
electrical traction motor output into mechanical power.

2.2 Electric motor and battery

In hydrogen fuel cell automobiles, where the power is produced by the

chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, electric motors are introduced. The
6
car moves along with minimum noise and vibration thanks to the electric
motor. It can also gain energy by slowing down. The fuel cell and battery
output and input are controlled by the power control unit depending on the
driving situation .The fuel cell's output of power Depending on the demands of
the particular driving situation, a hydrogen engine can travel in one of two
directions. It either goes to the electric motor and immediately drives the FCEV
or it charges a battery that saves the energy until the engine needs it. Because
the fuel cell frequently recharges this battery, which is referred to as a peak
power battery, it is substantially smaller and lighter than the battery of a
completely electric vehicle.

2.3 Hydrogen fuel tank

The hydrogen storage tank is the component of the HFCV that is the most
dependable, secure, manageable, and economical. In comparison to other fuels,
hydrogen has a low energy density that is sustainably lower. Its energy per
volume is significantly lower than that of liquid fuels like gasoline. In the past,
an HFCV could travel 300 miles on about 5 kg of hydrogen, but today, this
requires a fuel tank that is 3–4 times larger than that of gasoline. The main
challenge is figuring out how to store the hydrogen. To develop and validate
the onboard automotive hydrogen system, which must meet consumer
demands and expectations for range, passenger and cargo space, refueling time,
and overall vehicle performance, several types of research and development
are being conducted using fuel cell technology. Toyota has developed a tweak
that allows for 1.7 times as much hydrogen to be stored in 350 bar.

7
 CHAPTER-3

WORKING OF HYDROGEN FUEL

The anode of the fuel cell receives hydrogen gas. The anode is
platedwith platinum, which functions as a catalyst to break down
hydrogeninto protons and electrons. If a circuit is linked between the
anode and cathode, electrons can move across the circuit and deliver
power to any load that is connected as part of the circuit.
The anode’s response:
2H2 → 4H+ + 4e−
The electric current generated by the fuel cell is the flow of electrons
through the load. The hydrogen ions (protons) generated from the
hydrogen at the anode go from there to the cathode through the
electrolyte of the fuel cell. These hydrogen ions and electrons from
the external circuit combine with the oxygen delivered to the cathode
to create water and heat, both of which are expelled from the fuel cell.
The cathode's response:
O2 + 4H+ + 4e− →2H2O
Bipolar plates are positioned on the opposite side of the cell in a
PEM fuel cell. They act as current collectors and aid in gas
distribution. Between the anode and cathode, which are all
sandwiched between thebipolar plates, is a membrane that houses
the electrolyte. Proton exchange membranes, or PEMs, are
membranes that only let protons flow through them. The
membrane has to be wet in order to function correctly.
The normal output of a hydrogen fuel cell is 0.5 to 0.8 volts per cell.

8
Individual cells may be linked in series to raise the voltage. The
structure in question is known as a fuel cell stack. The capacity of a
fuel cell to generate current depends on its cross sectional area. More
response sites may be created since a larger region has more of them.
Power equals current times voltage. Therefore, it is feasible to create
very huge amounts of electrical power—enough to power an entire
neighborhood of homes, a hospital, or a vehicle like a car, bus, or
even a submarine or spacecraft—by stacking cells in series to
increase voltage and increasing cell area to enhance current.

Fig-3: Electric motor

9
 CHAPTER 4

OVERVIEW OF HYDROGEN FUEL CELL

Hydrogen, when used in a fuel cell to generate electricity, is a zero- emission

alternative fuel derived from a variety of energy sources. Drivers of light-duty fuel
cell electric cars (FCEVs) can already fill up in less than 5 minutes and have a
driving range of more than 300 miles. There are currently research and
commercial activities underway to extend the limited hydrogen fueling
infrastructure and increase FCEV manufacturing. The Energy Policy Act of
1992 defines hydrogen as an alternative fuel. The ability of hydrogen to power
fuel cells in zero- emission cars, the possibility for domestic production, and
the fuel cell'srapid filling time and high efficiency all contribute to the interest
in hydrogen as an alternative transportation fuel. In fact, a fuel cell paired with
an electric motor is two to three times more efficient than a gasoline- powered
internal combustion engine. Hydrogen may also be used to power internal
combustion engines. These, however, create exhaust emissions and are less
efficient than FCEVs. Find out more about fuel cells. The energy content of
2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of hydrogen gas is about equivalent to the energy
content of 1 gallon (6.2 pounds, 2.8 kilogram's) of gasoline. Because hydrogen
has a low volumetric energy density, it is stored as a compressed gas onboard a
vehicle to provide thedriving range of conventional automobiles. The majority
of modern applications make use of high-pressure tanks capable of holding
hydrogen at 5,000 or 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi). For example, the
FCEVsnow in production and available at dealerships have 10,000 psi tanks.
Retail dispensers, which are often found near petrol stations, can fill these tanks
in around 5 minutes. Currently, fuel cell electric buses have 5,000psi tanks that
take 10-15 minutes to fill.

4.1 Types Of Hydrogen

The three most common types of hydrogen are gray, blue, and green hydrogen.

Gray: Grey hydrogen generation is now the most popular and least expensive
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method. Although it doesn't produce greenhouse gas emissions on its own, the
process of making it does. It is used as a fuel. Steam reforming, which separates
the hydrogen from the natural gas, is used to produce gray hydrogen from natural
gas. The carbon emissions produced during the process are not, however, captured
by the technologies utilized and are instead discharged into the atmosphere.

Blue: The steam reforming method is used to extract blue hydrogen, but it varies
from gray hydrogen in that the emitted carbon emissions are caught and stored,
reducing but not completely eliminating the emissions in the atmosphere. Due
to the fact that the production technique just stores greenhouse gasses rather
than preventing their generation, blue hydrogen is frequently referred to as "low-
carbon hydrogen."

Green: Green hydrogen is a real source of clean energy since it is produced from
renewable resources, which results in zero emissions throughout its entire life
cycle. It is produced by electrolyzing water with clean electricity produced from
extra sustainable wind and solar energy. The procedure results in a reaction that
separates water into its hydrogen and oxygen components (the H and O in H2O).
As a consequence, there are no carbon emissions produced during the process.
Although it's a fantastic replacement for gray and blue, the key obstacle right now

Black and Brown: Using any kind of coal in the extraction process results in the
production of black and brown hydrogen. The electrolysis of green hydrogen is
one end of a spectrum, while this process, called gasification, is the other. It is a
well-known method that is employed in several sectors to transform materials rich
in carbon into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The emissions are subsequently
discharged into the atmosphere, where they cause pollution and turn into the most
environmentally hazardous form of hydrogen.

Pink: Nuclear energy is used for the electrolysis process that extracts pink
hydrogen. Pink hydrogen is sometimes referred to as purple hydrogen or red
hydrogen.
Turquoise: Turquoise hydrogen is still being researched to see if it can be
effectively employed on a broad basis. It is produced by a procedure known as
"methane pyrolysis," which uses heat to decompose a substance's chemical
structure to yield hydrogen and solid carbon. Instead of being released into the
atmosphere, carbon is kept in the solid carbon that is produced. If turquoise is
shown to be successful and the carbon can be permanently stored in an
11
environmentally safe manner, it may join blue as a "low-carbon hydrogen."

Yellow: Yellow hydrogen is produced by electrolysis particularly using solar

energy, much to the method used to produce green hydrogen but with a cheerier
moniker.

White: Underground geological hydrogen deposits contain naturally occurring

white hydrogen. By drilling into the ground and injecting a highly pressurized
solution of water, sand, and chemicals at the rock to liberate the gas inside, the
procedure is known as fracking. There are no plans to utilize this kind of
hydrogen as a source of energy at the time.

Fig-4.1: fuel cell

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 CHAPTER-5

FUTURE SCOPE OF HYDROGEN FUEL CELL

The future of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles holds potential for further advancements and
increased adoption, but it also faces certain uncertainties. Here are some aspects to
consider regarding the future of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles:

1. Technological Advancements: Ongoing research and development efforts focus on

improving the performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of fuel cell systems.
Advancements in catalyst materials, membrane technology, and system integration are
expected to enhance the durability, reduce costs, and increase the energy efficiency of
fuel cell vehicles. These advancements will contribute to making hydrogen fuel cell
vehicles more competitive with other zero-emission alternatives.

2. Infrastructure Development: The expansion of hydrogen refueling infrastructure is

crucial for the wider adoption of fuel cell vehicles. Governments, energy companies,
and automakers need to collaborate to establish a comprehensive network of hydrogen
stations. Efforts are underway in several regions, including Europe, North America, and
Asia, to increase the availability of hydrogen refueling stations. The development of
decentralized hydrogen production, storage, and distribution systems can also help
overcome infrastructure challenges.

3. Renewable Hydrogen Production: The future of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles depends
on the production of hydrogen from renewable energy sources. The shift toward
renewable hydrogen production, such as electrolysis powered by wind, solar, or
hydroelectric power, will contribute to reducing the environmental impact and
dependence on fossil fuels. As renewable energy technologies continue to advance and
costs decrease, the production of green hydrogen is expected to become more
economically viable.

4. Industry Collaboration: Collaboration among automakers, energy companies,

governments, and research institutions is crucial for the future of hydrogen fuel cell
vehicles. Joint efforts can accelerate technological advancements, streamline production
processes, and facilitate the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure. Partnerships
between companies and cross-sector collaborations can help overcome the challenges
and drive the widespread adoption of fuel cell vehicles.

5. Policy Support: Governments play a vital role in shaping the future of hydrogen fuel
cell vehicles through supportive policies and regulations. Financial incentives, research
funding, and supportive regulations can encourage the development and adoption of
fuel cell technology. Policy frameworks that prioritize zero-emission vehicles,
including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, can accelerate their market penetration and
13
infrastructure development.

Fig-5: Future of hydrogen fuel cell

14
 CHAPTER-6

PRINCIPAL CHALLENGES TO FCV ADOPTION

The adoption of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) faces several principal challenges that need to
be addressed for wider acceptance and market penetration. Here are some key
challenges:

1. Cost: The cost of fuel cell vehicles remains high compared to conventional internal
combustion engine vehicles and battery electric vehicles. The production of fuel cells
involves expensive materials, such as platinum, and complex manufacturing processes.
The cost reduction of fuel cell systems, including fuel cell stacks and balance of plant
components, is crucial to make FCVs more affordable and competitive with other
alternatives.

2. Hydrogen Infrastructure: The limited availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure

is a significant challenge for FCV adoption. Expanding the hydrogen refueling network
requires substantial investment and coordination among governments, energy
companies, and automakers. The establishment of an extensive and convenient
refueling infrastructure is essential to overcome range anxiety and provide confidence
to potential FCV owners.

3. Hydrogen Production and Distribution: The production and distribution of hydrogen

pose challenges. Currently, the majority of hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels,
primarily through steam methane reforming, which generates carbon emissions.
Shifting toward renewable hydrogen production methods, such as electrolysis powered
by renewable energy sources, is crucial to reduce the environmental impact.
Additionally, the transportation and storage of hydrogen require specialized
infrastructure due to its low energy density and flammability.

4. Consumer Awareness and Acceptance: Compared to conventional vehicles and

battery electric vehicles, FCVs have lower consumer awareness and acceptance. Many
potential consumers may be unfamiliar with fuel cell technology and have concerns
about the availability of hydrogen fuel and the overall viability of FCVs. Public
education campaigns and widespread awareness efforts are needed to increase
familiarity and confidence in FCVs among consumers.

5. Limited Vehicle Models and Production Volumes: The availability of FCV models in
the market is relatively limited compared to other vehicle types. A broader range of
FCV models, including different vehicle types and price points, would provide
consumers with more options and increase market competitiveness. Additionally, the
limited production volumes of FCVs contribute to higher costs. Scaling up production

15
and achieving economies of scale are necessary to drive down costs and enhance
affordability.

6. Safety Concerns: Although FCVs undergo rigorous safety testing and meet stringent
safety standards, concerns related to the handling and storage of hydrogen still exist.
The perception of hydrogen as a potentially hazardous fuel can affect consumer
acceptance. Continued advancements in safety measures, along with effective
communication of safety features and procedures, are vital to address these concerns.

Main Advantages Of FCV

FCVs promise advantages across a range of parameters in addition to the
absence of CO2 emissions during vehicle operation:

Refueling time: To fill the tank, it will take a few minutes (as for ICE
engines), as opposed to the lengthier time anticipated for battery-electric cars to
recharge (BEVs).

Driving range: With a driving range of more than 450 km, FCVs are already
competitive on the market and, on average, have longer ranges than BEVs.

Fuel efficiency: FCVs utilize roughly 40 to 60 percent of the energy included in

hydrogen, compared to about 20 percent in ICE cars, making them more energy
efficient than gasoline-powered vehicles. It's vital to note that EVs use around
75% of the energy from the batteries, which makes them more efficient than FCVs.

Scalability: It is simple to increase the power of FCVs: to create a fuel cell stack,
which can generate enough electricity to power a vehicle, separate fuel cells
are connected in series. This feature of the technology makes it possible to employ
it in heavy-duty vehicles as well.

16
Weight and volume of energy storage: A lithium-ion battery system
requires around six times more weight and twice the space to permit
comparable driving ranges (for example, 500 km), whereas H2 requires less
weight and volume for energy storage to provide the same distance range.

Sustainability: In addition to producing no greenhouse gasses while the

vehicle is in motion, FCV drive batteries are smaller than those of BEVs,
resulting in a reduced
environmental effect from the use of heavy metals in the production of Li-
ion battery packs. However, pollution from power plants should be
contrasted with pollution
from the H2 generation process (which depends on the primary energy
source used to create it) when comparing.

17
 CHAPTER -7

CONCLUSION

The conclusion regarding hydrogen fuel cells is that they have the potential to be
a significant part of the future energy landscape, but there are several challenges
that need to be addressed for widespread adoption.
On the positive side, hydrogen fuel cells offer several advantages. They are
highly efficient, converting chemical energy directly into electricity, with only
water and heat as byproducts. They have longer ranges compared to battery
electric vehicles and can be refueled quickly, similar to conventional gasoline
vehicles. Hydrogen is also abundant, and its production can be sourced from
renewable energy, such as electrolysis using solar or wind power, making it a
potentially clean and sustainable energy option.
Moreover, hydrogen fuel cells face competition from battery electric vehicles,
which have seen rapid advancements in recent years. Battery technology has
improved significantly, enabling longer ranges and faster charging times, while
the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations is more widespread. The
cost of batteries has also been decreasing steadily.

18
 CHAPTER- 8

REFERENCES

1. U.S. Department of Energy - Fuel Cell Technologies Office: The official

website of the Fuel Cell Technologies Office of the U.S. Department of Energy
provides comprehensive information on fuel cell technology, including its
application in automobiles. Website: https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/fuel-
cell-technologies-office

2. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): NREL is a leading research

institution focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency. They conduct
research on hydrogen fuel cell technology and its applications, including in the
automotive sector. Website: https://www.nrel.gov/hydrogen/

3. International Energy Agency (IEA) - Hydrogen and Fuel Cells: The IEA
provides reports, publications, and analysis on various aspects of hydrogen and
fuel cells, including their use in transportation. Website:
https://www.iea.org/topics/hydrogen-and-fuel-cells

4. Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU): FCH JU is a public-
private partnership supporting research, development, and demonstration of fuel
cell and hydrogen technologies in Europe. They provide valuable information and
reports on fuel cell technology in various sectors, including transportation.
Website: https://www.fch.europa.eu/

5. California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP): CaFCP is a collaboration of

government agencies, automakers, fuel providers, and technology companies
focused on advancing the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in
California. Their website provides information on fuel cell vehicle technology,
infrastructure, and research. Website: https://cafcp.org/

19