Who invented hydrogen fuel

The cells were too expensive to make. That has now changed. In the United States, several pieces of legislation have promoted the current explosion in hydrogen fuel cell development: namely, the congressional Hydrogen Future Act of and several state laws promoting zero emission levels for cars. Worldwide, different types of fuel cells have been developed with extensive public funding. The United States alone has sunk more than one billion dollars into fuel-cell research in the last thirty years.

In , Iceland announced plans to create a hydrogen economy in cooperation with German carmaker Daimler-Benz and Canadian fuel cell developer Ballard Power Systems. The year plan would convert all transportation vehicles, including Iceland's fishing fleet, over to fuel-cell-powered vehicles.

In February , Europe's first public commercial hydrogen fuel station for cars and trucks opened for business in Hamburg, Germany. With a top speed of 90 mph and a mile tank capacity, the car wowed the press.

The company plans to have fuel-cell vehicles in limited production by the year In August , Singapore physicists announced a new hydrogen storage method of alkali doped carbon nanotubes that would increase hydrogen storage and safety.

A Taiwanese company, San Yang, is developing the first fuel cell powered motorcycle. There are still issues with hydrogen-fueled engines and power plants. Transport, storage and safety problems need to be addressed. Greenpeace has promoted the development of a fuel cell operated with regeneratively produced hydrogen. European car makers have so far ignored a Greenpeace project for a super-efficient car consuming only 3 liters of gasoline per km.

Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. The funding encompasses over 30 lead organizations and more than partners selected through a competitive review process. In the future, water will replace fossil fuels as the primary resource for hydrogen. Hydrogen will be distributed via national networks of hydrogen transport pipelines and fueling stations. Hydrogen energy and fuel cell power will be clean, abundant, reliable, affordable and an integral part of all sectors of the economy in all regions of the U.

Department of Energy www. One of the most serious gases we must use is Hydrogen - in our cars, buses, Space shots from the cape etc.

This article is part of the Energy. Similar to a battery, a fuel cell is a device that produces electricity through an electrochemical reaction -- a chemical reaction that generates electricity without any combustion. As long as there is a constant source of fuel and oxygen, fuel cells will continue to generate power. Check out the fuel cell animation to learn how fuel cells work. These new-generation hydrogen fuel cells are accelerating the use of clean energy in transportation.

To protect the environment, the world is converging around the same conclusion: Transportation in the long run should be electric. Electric vehicles can be powered by batteries, fuel cells or a combination of both.

Batteries today are mature technology and are expanding in their reach. Relying on battery power alone also has range limitations, as batteries require periodic recharging at stationary charging locations. Fuel cells essentially convert the potential energy of a fuel into electricity by means of an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen fuel with an oxidizing agent. It is very similar to a battery, wherein an electrochemical reaction arises as long as fuel is available.

Pressurized hydrogen is combined with oxygen from the air, with no harmful emissions like sulfur, nitrogen oxides, and ozone, and with only water as a by-product. Hydrogen fuel cell technology may turn out to be one of the most significant fast-growing areas for zero-emission energy systems. With the acceleration of technological innovation, fuel cells are well-poised to be the most efficient and environmentally-friendly form of alternative energy generation, not only for vehicles but also for industry and households.

According to Grand View Research , the global fuel cell market is projected to grow at The combination of international pressures pushing for the adoption of alternative energy and the projected operating cost improvements in hydrogen fuel cells is expected to further tip the balance away from traditional fossil fuels. The availability of hydrogen fueling infrastructure also will be key to influencing widespread consumer adoption.

Especially for heavier vehicles, the power source should be compact and lightweight— for these applications, fuel cells have a large advantage. In addition, the combination of fuel cells and batteries holds promise for significantly extending the driving range of vehicles, as the fuel cells can recharge batteries while on the move.

PEMFCs are versatile, being suitable for portable, stationary as well as transportation end applications. Being compact, they are considered the prime candidate for vehicle and portable applications. One of the most critical elements in PEMFCs are the Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates which distribute hydrogen and air, conduct electrical current from cell to cell, and remove heat from the active area, while avoiding leakage of gases or coolant.

Multiple bipolar plates are combined within the PEMFC to provide the required level of electrical energy production, in much the same way that the cells in a battery collectively combine to deliver specified output levels. PEMFCs are projected to be an important factor in the conversion of fossil fuel transportation to greener and more sustainable energy sources. Fuel cell manufacturers will need to partner with reliable specialists that can deliver high-quality bipolar plates within tight specifications, in the large quantities required.

A vertically integrated solutions provider is key to achieving this cost effectively; one that can assure tight control over the entire production process, from initial design through metal stamping, welding and overmolding of gaskets, to final testing and Quality Assurance sampling.

Download our Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates brochure or email us at communications interplex. Brochures Did You Know?