Knowledge of hydrogen energy

About Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are electric vehicles driven by electric motors. The common abbreviation is FCEV, which is the abbreviation for "fuel cell electric vehicle", as opposed to BEV or "battery electric vehicle".

A significant difference between hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and other electric vehicles is that hydrogen fuel vehicles generate electricity themselves. This means that unlike pure electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, the vehicle does not have an internal battery that can be charged from an external power source. On the contrary, the fuel cells inside hydrogen fuel vehicles can serve as a reliable power source for the vehicle itself.

How does a hydrogen engine work?

In FCEV fuel cells, hydrogen and oxygen generate electrical energy. As needed, this energy is directed into the electric motor and/or battery.

In fuel cell technology, a process called reverse electrolysis occurs, in which hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the fuel cell. Hydrogen comes from one or more built-in gas tanks in the FCEV, while oxygen comes from the surrounding air. The only result of this reaction is electrical energy, heat, and water, which are released in the form of water vapor through exhaust. So hydrogen powered vehicles have zero emissions in the local area.

The electricity generated by hydrogen engine fuel cells can have two paths depending on the specific driving needs. It either flows to the motor to directly provide power to the FCEV, or charges the battery, which stores energy until the engine needs it. This type of battery is called a peak power battery, which is much smaller than pure electric vehicle batteries and therefore lighter because it can be continuously charged through fuel cells.

Like other electric vehicles, hydrogen powered vehicles can also recover or 'recover' braking energy. The electric motor converts the kinetic energy of the car back into electrical energy and feeds it into a backup battery.

In FCEV fuel cells, hydrogen and oxygen generate electrical energy. As needed, this energy is directed into the electric motor and/or battery.

Advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen powered vehicles

Eliminate automobile exhaust emissions - greenhouse gases and urban smoke.

Efficient use of energy.

Open up multiple low-carbon transportation fuel supply channels.

There is almost no engine noise and a lively start, as the electric motor provides sufficient torque even at low speeds.

Fast charging time. Depending on the charging station and battery capacity, pure electric vehicles currently require 30 minutes to several hours to fully charge.

On the other hand, the hydrogen tank of a fuel cell vehicle will be filled in less than five minutes and ready to start again at any time.

For users, this aligns the usability and flexibility of the vehicle with traditional cars.

Hydrogen powered vehicles have a longer range than pure electric vehicles. A gas tank filled with hydrogen gas can travel about 300 miles. 480 kilometers). Battery powered cars require matching very large batteries, which in turn leads to an increase in vehicle weight and charging time.

The driving range of fuel cell vehicles does not depend on external temperature. In other words, it will not spoil in cold weather.

Disadvantages of current users:

At present, the biggest drawback of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is that there are too few fuel options available. Hydrogen engines are fueled by special fuel pumps, which are likely to enter regular gas stations in the future. However, as of now, there are still very few gas stations for hydrogen powered vehicles. By the end of 2019, there were only about 40 in the United States, while there were about 40 in the United States. Germany has 80.

Where does hydrogen come from?