Fuel Cell or Battery Essay -- Environment, Carbon Pollution

IntroductionAn increase of carbon pollution around the world has called for better options for the future of motoring. The two types of motoring options which entertain been developed atomic number 18 the hydrogen fire cell and electric battery vehicles. Both of which provide pros and cons within the system, on the environment and cost wise. Hydrogen fuel cell vehiclesA hydrogen fuel cell is an electrochemical cell which directly converts the chemical energy in hydrogen and oxygen to electricity with minute water (figure 1). In general fuel cells have a similar arrangement which consists of an electrolyte and two electrodes, but there are many types of fuel cells which are classified by the kind of electrolyte used (DOE Energy Efficiency, 2006). An electrolyte is a liquid or gel that contains ions and can be decomposed by electrolysis and is present in a battery. The hydrogen fuel cell pathway consists of three conversion stages, the conversion of electricity to hydrogen, the conv ersion of hydrogen back to electricity and finally, the conversion of electricity to automatic energy (Stephen Eaves, James Eaves, N/D). A Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is widely regarded as the most(prenominal) promising for light-duty transportation. Hydrogen gas flows by means of channels to the anode, where a catalyst causes the hydrogen molecules to separate into protons and electrons therefore increasing the production of energy (DOE Energy Efficiency, 2006). The Polymer Electrolyte Membrane also operates at a temperature of 50100C and has a 5060% electric efficiency . (Bill Siuru, 2007) As the electricity production process is direct through an electrochemical machination in a fuel cell, it never goes through the step of being a high-temperature gas through norm... ...drogen vehicles were to be more widely used, methods of producing hydrogen in a cost-effective way would have to be developed and producing enough to power an everyday car would also be a cha llenge (U.S. segment of Energy 2010).Conclusion Fuel cells are clean, fuel efficient, and fuel flexible. Any hydrogen-rich material can serve as a potential fuel descent for this developing technology. Although it is reduces carbon emissions new research will have to be carried out to ensure it becomes cost-worthy for everyday users. Battery powered cars are for the moment the most viable and inexpensive option however the carbon emissions are adding to the already thinning atmosphere. By implementing hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative for maybe prominent forms of transport there will be a significant reduction of greenhouse gases for everyday transportation users.