In the era of environmental sustainability, the hydrogen engine emerges as a promising technology in the automotive sector. This type of engine is part of the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV), or fuel cell electric vehicles, which use hydrogen to generate electrical energy. Here is how this innovative propulsion system works in detail.
The heart of the FCEV: the fuel cell
The hydrogen engine is mainly based on the fuel cell, a device that converts the chemical energy of hydrogen directly into electrical energy, heat and water. This process is known as reverse electrolysis.
The chemical reaction
In a fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the air. The hydrogen is fed into the fuel cell, where it is separated into protons and electrons using a catalyst. The electrons generate an electric current as they travel through an external circuit, before re-entering the cell and combining with hydrogen ions and oxygen to form water (H₂O), the only byproduct of this process.
Energy production
The electricity produced is used to power the vehicle's electric motor, which in turn drives the wheels. If more energy is produced than is immediately needed, it can be stored in a secondary battery for later use.
Efficiency and sustainability benefits
Hydrogen engines offer remarkable efficiency, as they directly transform chemical energy into electricity, reducing energy losses associated with energy conversions. Furthermore, by generating only water vapor as emissions, they contribute significantly to the reduction of air pollution.
Hydrogen Infrastructure and Logistics
To power these cars, an infrastructure is needed that can produce, store, and distribute hydrogen. Hydrogen refueling stations pump the gas into the vehicle's tanks under high pressure, from which the hydrogen is then drawn to power the fuel cell.
Challenges and future prospects
Although the hydrogen engine offers many advantages, there are challenges to address, such as the efficiency of the global energy chain, the cost and sustainability of hydrogen production, and the development of dedicated infrastructure. Optimizing these areas is crucial to making hydrogen technology a viable and sustainable long-term solution for mobility.
The hydrogen engine represents an advanced frontier in the field of sustainable propulsion, with the potential to revolutionize the transportation sector thanks to its efficiency and reduced environmental impact. As the technology continues to develop, the promise of zero-emission mobility is getting closer and closer to being realized.
