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What is

What will be

UNDER THE HOOD and

IN THE TANK ?

DAY 3 Hydrogen

By

John Zavalney

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Alternative FuelsHYDROGEN

• Most abundant element in the universe

• Composes about 75% of the universal elemental mass

• Atomic number 1

• Colorless, odorless and tasteless

• Diatomic gas: H2

• Naturally occurring elemental hydrogen is relatively rare on Earth.

• Energy Carrier:Moves & stores energy

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Alternative FuelsHYDROGEN

Producing H2(g)

• By-product: When metals & strong acids or bases mix

• Reformation: Industrial steam reformation of natural gas

• Electrolysis: Decomposition of water due to an electric current passing through it

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Alternative FuelsHYDROGENProducing H2(g)

1. By-product: When metals & strong acids

Zinc plus an acid (H+) produces hydrogen gas

Zn + 2 H+ → Zn2+ + H2

Not practical for commercial production

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Alternative FuelsHYDROGEN

Producing H2(g)

2. Reformation: Industrial steam reformation of natural gas

Methane plus steam produces hydrogen gas

CH4 + H2O → CO + 3 H2

Uses a nonrenewable fossil fuel

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Alternative FuelsHYDROGEN

Producing H2(g)

3. Electrolysis: Decomposition of water due to an electric current passing through it

Water plus electricity produces hydrogen gas

2H2O(aq) + e- → 2H2(g) + O2(g)

It takes energy to decompose water

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Alternative FuelsHYDROGEN

video of solar electrolysis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNuExC8kVKE

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Alternative FuelsHYDROGEN

Electrolysis Chemistry

Cathode Reduction Reaction Cathode

Reduction Site

1. H2O -> H+ + OH-

2. H+ + e- -> H 3. H + H -> H2

H+

H+

H+

H+

H2

e-

e-

e-

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Alternative FuelsHYDROGEN

Electrolysis Chemistry

Anode Oxidation ReactionAnode

Oxidation Site

1. (OH-) -> Anode2. 4 OH- -> O2

+ 2 H2O + 4e-

e- e- e-

OH-

OH-

OH- OH-

O2

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Alternative FuelsHYDROGENHydrogen Fuel Cells

• Hydrogen can be stored as a gas or liquid

• Hydrogen is reacted with oxygen to produce electricity

• An electric motor turns the transmission

“How Stuff works” fuel cells

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Alternative FuelsHYDROGEN

Fuel Cells

What do you know ?

Learn moreFuel Cell Quiz

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Alternative FuelsHYDROGEN

Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine

• Hydrogen gas stored in pressurized tank

• Hydrogen burns in a modified ICE

• Power output for Hydrogen is 42% more than gas using carburetors and 20% with injectors

• Combustion formula including nitrogen in the air is

H2 + O2 + N2 = H2O + N2 + NOx

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Alternative FuelsHYDROGEN

CONS

• Hydrogen is not naturally occurring: it must be produced

• Fuels are expensive

• Fuels currently last 7300 hours2

PROS

• True Zero Emission Vehicle

• No operational greenhouse gas emissions

• Very highly efficient

• More energy pound for pound than gasoline : better mileage