This article is about Hydrogen Vehicles and FCEV Technology. We will understand the history of hydrogen vehicles and Honda’s development in terms of hydrogen fuel cell systems. We will also analyze various aspects of fuel cell system technology and how they can be useful in the coming times.
Hydrogen Vehicles and FCEV Technology
First of all, we need to understand what is a hydrogen vehicle. In simple words, a hydrogen vehicle is any vehicle that uses hydrogen as a fuel to power its engine. Nowadays, technology has advanced so much that hydrogen is replacing all the conventional fuels in vehicles, ships, aircraft, and even in space rockets. In this type of vehicle, the chemical energy of hydrogen is converted into mechanical energy to generate power.
This is done by reacting hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell which is then used to power the electric motor. In other words, we can understand this as burning hydrogen in an internal combustion engine. Talking about hydrogen vehicles, there are two different models of hydrogen cars that are available in the market. One is Toyota Mirai and other is Hyundai Nexo.
Fuel Cell
A fuel cell in simple words is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of a fuel into electricity. The conversion is often done of the hydrogen with the help of an oxidizing agent which is generally oxygen. Fuel cells are different from batteries that are used in electric vehicles. They do not require a continuous source of fuel or oxygen to continue the chemical reaction.
Whereas in a battery, there is a continuous requirement of fuels for the chemical reaction. They use the chemical energy of hydrogen or other fuels clearly and efficiently to produce electricity. They use different types of fuels and if hydrogen is the fuel, the only remaining products are electricity, water, and heat.
How Fuel Cells Work
Like any other battery, Fuel Cell Design for EVs work in the same way but they do not need recharging. They continue to work and provide electricity and heat as long as fuel is supplied. A fuel cell consists of two electrodes which are a positive or cathode and a negative electrode or anode. These two electrodes are sandwiched around an electrolyte. A fuel which is generally hydrogen is fed to the anode and oxygen or air is fed through the cathode.
In a hydrogen fuel cell, a catalyst is provided at the anode which separates hydrogen molecules into electrons and protons. These separated molecules take different parts to reach the cathode. The electrons pass through an external circuit which creates a flow of electricity. Whereas the protons pass through the electrolyte to reach the cathode. Here, they unite with oxygen and electrons to produce heat and water.
Integrating Fuel Cells into Electric Vehicles
Fuel cells can be used to power a fuel cell electric vehicle. These two technologies can be integrated to build a new model. This technology can also be integrated with the existing vehicle using a powertrain block set or a simscape platform. This integrated system can be used for performing system integration studies and testing the dynamic responses of fuel cells against the electrical system.
Hydrogen Vehicles by Honda
World’s leading engine supplier Honda Motors is in the business of making the best electric vehicles for customers. They are working very hard to address environmental challenges in terms of reducing CO2 emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. The company is working very hard and has taken a positive approach to finding solutions to the existing problems and has come up with the solution of hydrogen vehicles.
After long research and development for more than two decades, they recognized the potential of hydrogen energy. Honda is working very hard on the development of fuel-cell vehicles and is now ready to apply its fuel-cell technology to a lot of vehicles. This fuel cell technology will offer a clean and efficient source of energy that can be used in various cars, buses, two-wheelers, and even in our houses.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell System of Honda
We are already aware of some of the unique characteristics of hydrogen. We know that it is available in abundant amounts in nature and does not require any process for its formation. The energy produced by hydrogen can be stored in any compact device. The conversion process of energy from hydrogen is very easy, convenient, and effortless. The energy formation process from hydrogen does not use any emission as in the case of fossil fuels and other sources of energy.
Honda has a cutting-edge fuel cell system in terms of hydrogen. They have entered into a partnership with General Motors to develop the next-generation fuel cell system. Honda is also working very hard and is doing a lot of research and development to improve the fuel cell system and make it accessible and available for common people.
Application of Hydrogen Fuel Cells
The application and utilization of hydrogen fuel cells have been found in many key areas including fuel cell vehicles, commercial vehicles, construction machinery, and stationery power stations. Various companies including Honda are actively collaborating with other businesses which will help them to bring the technology to the forefront which will create a meaningful impact on the environment.
In the commercial sector, this technology can be used in heavy-duty trucks. Various auto manufacturers are planning to begin sales of fuel cell systems in the next 5 years.
Conclusion
So we have analyzed a lot about Hydrogen Vehicles and FCEV Technology in this article. We have also discussed various aspects that have been taken into account by leading automotive manufacturers such as Honda. The combination of this technology with the existing electric vehicles will have a multi-dimensional effect on the transportation system.
This technology will help India achieve the target of building the best electric vehicle ecosystem and will help in moving towards a cleaner and cleaner future.
