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U.S. behind in fuel-cell technology

Discussion in 'Fuel Cell Vehicles' started by usbseawolf2000, Dec 2, 2015.

  1. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Blessed with an abundance of natural gas, a component needed to create hydrogen, the case for hydrogen fuel–cells for transportation is back in vogue, but sadly it is other countries that are ahead. In 2009, Steven Chu, the former secretary of energy, noted that in order for hydrogen fuel-cell transportation to work, "four miracles" needed to happen

    First, we had to find an efficient and low-cost way to produce hydrogen. Second, a method of storing hydrogen for automobiles was needed. Third, a method of distribution for fuel-cell automobiles that would need an ample refueling option, and fourth, a method to improve the durability and power of fuel-cell engine systems in order to compete efficiently with the internal gas combustion engine.

    All of the above occurred, but the problem was that funding for the hydrogen fuel-cell program was cut drastically, for the rest of Chu's tenure. Sadly, Japan surpassed the United States in U.S. patents for fuel-cell technology and South Korea was third. Germany and South Korea have submarines that operate on fuel-cells.

    U.S. behind in fuel-cell technology - New Jersey Herald -
    If all four miracles have occurred for fuel cells, have they for batteries?

    I think batteries still need to overcome the refueling speed, driving range - held back by the weight, size and cost of the battery pack.
     
    #1 usbseawolf2000, Dec 2, 2015
  2. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    The low cost method of making hydrogen relies on the low cost of natural gas and not sequestering the resulting, fossil, CO2 produced. That doesn't jive with the promise of hydrogen being renewable, which is still expensive to do.

    The high pressure hydrogen tanks are still expensive and bulky. While a FCEV can go farther per kilogram than an ICE on a gallon of fuel, the limits of these tanks mean that the FCEV still has a range between fuel stops that is at least a hundred miles shorter than what most people are use to from their gasoline cars. With similar numbers of cars on the road, a hydrogen station will see more traffic than a gas one, because of this.

    The infrastructure will be expensive to build out. Japan has an advantage there in being smaller than California.

    The fuel cell manufacturers are mum about the stacks durability and reliability over a car's lifetime. Even if it is good, the fuel cell is still more expensive than an ICE, and likely so for an ICE with hybrid system.
     
    #2 Trollbait, Dec 2, 2015
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