70% of planet Earth is covered in water and with 2H atoms and just one O making up that water, Hydrogen ranks as the most abundant element in our world. Since 2003 when then President George W. Bush announced the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, the US has dedicated over $1B to fuel cell research. Most people think of this technology being used in prototypes for future cars but Hydrogen fuel cell technology has actually been employed in city bus fleets since the 1990s. Boats, planes, and trains are among the other applications being explored for use with this energy storage platform and this article will explore each in brief.
Cars
Hydrogen used to power fuel cells is derived from the electrolysis of water. Storage and availability of hydrogen are two of the main obstacles holding hydrogen cars from going mainstream. Hydrogen disperses easily and will leak from a car’s storage tank if not used within a few days. Other barriers are the high cost and challenges to developing a hydrogen infrastructure for fuelling vehicles. Though it may be a longshot, it’s hoped that future hydrogen cars can perform electrolysis on-board, allowing them to generate hydrogen by simply pouring water inside the car’s tank.
Honda released its hydrogen-powered Clarity FCX fuel cell electric vehicle in 2008. The company states on its website that approximately 200 cars will be leased (they don’t sell them due to the high cost) in the following three years, mostly in Southern California where hydrogen fueling stations are more easily accessible. A compact lithium-ion battery pack powers this sleek sedan, which Honda claims offers a powerful, yet smooth and quiet ride.
Honda isn’t the only car company to enter the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) market. Hyundai released its Blue2concept car to reserve a spot in the minds of future hydrogen car buyers. The futuristic, sporty design will likely win people over as will its fuel efficiency of 34.9 km/liter. Hyundai aims to take early leadership of the fledgling FCEV market with their Blue2, but they’ll have some stiff competition as Honda and several other car companies have recently been getting into FCEVs.
Buses
With their large carrying capacity, public buses make for ideal fuel cell vehicles. They maintain a regular route, which makes the fuelling infrastructure easy to develop. They often operate in congested, polluted cities, which makes the presence of a zero-emissions vehicle that much more attractive.
After conducting a five-year trial of hydrogen buses, the UK now runs a permanent hydrogen bus in London’s busy tourist area. The vehicle can operate for 18 hours without refueling and is considered to be just the beginning for a country intent on employing the technology throughout the country. London is one of many cities to put hydrogen buses on the road. Madrid was the first city in the world to run a regular hydrogen-powered bus service. Others include Berlin, Hamburg, and Perth.
Boats
Since hydrogen is derived from the electrolysis of water, how fitting it is to employ the technology on a boat. The Nemo H2 tour boat transports up to 87 passengers on CO2 Zero Canal Cruises, requiring a once daily hydrogen refill. Bristol, UK and New York are other cities joining Amsterdam with fuel cell ferries.
As part of the UK’s Ecoisland project, an initiative aimed at making the Isle of Wight the country’s lowest carbon footprint area by 2020, ITM Power and Cheetah Marine have partnered up to build hydrogen-powered catamarans. As with the other modes of transportation, the hydrogen boat market is in its infancy, but steadily growing.
Trains
Unlike cars, which require a massive infrastructural investment to build fueling stations, trains only require refueling at occasional train stations. That point alone makes them an attractive option for hydrogen fuel cells.
Denmark wants to be the first European country to run a hydrogen train. Their plan is for flat track, small trains with a range of 60 km. The train was expected to be in operation in 2010, but has encountered delays that have prevented its much anticipated arrival.
Planes
With their extremely high energy demand, planes are the least likely choice for hydrogen fuel cells. A few companies such as Boeing and Lange, however, are testing out the technology. Boeing has gone on record saying that they do not believe that hydrogen fuel cells could power a large passenger aircraft, but instead would more than likely be used as a secondary source of energy.
Hydrogen fuel cells have a wide range of applications for transportation and beyond. Though the hydrogen infrastructure is undeveloped and storage of the gas is difficult, hydrogen has a role to play among the mix of renewable energy technologies in years to come. The thought of pouring water in a gas tank to fuel your vehicle is a great thought. One day it may just become reality.
