How do Hydrogen Powered Cars Work
In our quest to find an alternative source of energy to replace fossil fuels, we came across several options which seemed promising initially but didn't live up to the expectations. One of the relatively recent finds in this context has been hydrogen which boasts of being highly efficient and environment friendly alternative. It has been successfully used in a range of vehicles, right from golf carts to rockets. Though the use of hydrogen in cars has already begun, but it is yet to reach the desired heights.
Hydrogen Powered Cars Working Mechanism
Simply put, a hydrogen powered car uses hydrogen as the fuel to produce electric energy which is eventually used to power the car. The chemical energy of hydrogen is converted to mechanical energy in these cars by combustion or electrochemical conversion in a fuel cell.
Electrochemical Conversion in Fuel Cells
Though there are various types of fuel cells, some fuel cell components are common to all. These include the anode, cathode, electrolyte and the catalyst. These four components form the composite structure of fuel cells. The cathode is the positive point of the cell, while the anode is the negative point. The catalyst in these cells is usually made of platinum, while solid polymer is used to create electrolyte. In hydrogen powered cars each component is assigned with a specific task. In the beginning, hydrogen is pumped into the anode of the cell, while oxygen is acquired from the atmosphere by the cathode.
The anode takes the help of catalyst to split the hydrogen cells, and separates the electrons from it. These electrons are further passed on to a separate external circuit, in order to form an electric current. This electric current propels the car forward. At the same time the hydrogen cells, devoid of electrons, and the electrons which went to the external circuit return to combine with oxygen. Owing to the reaction, facilitated by the catalyst between these two elements, water, is formed. Hundreds of cells are arranged in a series, to produce the energy required to power a hydrogen car.
Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine
In these cars, hydrogen is combusted in engines in the similar way as gasoline is combusted in traditional gasoline internal combustion engine vehicles. The engines operate in a traditional way, but there is slight modification in fuel storage and engine body. These engines are designed to burn hydrogen to produce energy, and therefore don't emit any harmful gases. The only drawback of these cars are the relatively high costs incurred to build and maintain the required equipment, which is very less in gas powered cars. The technology also requires keeping hydrogen in liquid form which is a bit expensive and unsafe.
Every invention and discovery brings us a step closer to a new useful technology, which makes our work relatively easier. Researchers are working to make hydrogen the perfect fuel of the future, and it wouldn't be long before we see environment friendly hydrogen powered cars eventually replacing gas powered cars.
