Hydrogen
Fuel Cell Technology
|
Hydrogen
fuel cell is a device that is quiet, compact, flexible,
highly efficient and exceptionally clean. It is non-polluting
power source which can provide energy for sources as large
as a utility power station and as small as a smoke detector.
It is perhaps the most important non-pollutant technology
in history of mankind. The theoretical Maximum Efficiency
that is achievable by Fuel Cell is 69%. For Stationery applications
the Fuel Cell is most efficient as the Mechanical and Electrical
losses are far less. The Energy Content of Hydrogen as compared
with other fuels is tabulated as following: |
 |
Fig:
The table indicates potential application of Hydrogen in
fuel cells as well in IC Engines, as it is used as an alternative
fuel in the neighbouring country in Auto Rickshaws. |
A
fuel cell is a mini power plant that produces electricity
without combustion. Chemical energy is converted directly
into electrical energy and heat. When hydrogen fuel is a
fuel source, heat and water are the only byproducts. No
pollutants are produced if pure hydrogen is used. Hydrogen
can be produced from water using renewable solar, chemical,
wind, hydro or geothermal energy. Hydrogen also can be extracted
from anything that contains hydrocarbons, including gasoline,
natural gas, biomass, landfill gas, methanol, ethanol, methane
and coal-based gas. It is termed as reforming. |
| Stepping up for Hydrogen
Economy: |
| Hydrogen
fuel cell is an Emerging Technology; it can provide
an unlimited and reliable source of power. There are
Renewable methods of generating Hydrogen. It is extremely
viable if solar panels are coupled with hydrolyser
to generate pure hydrogen; that is further incorporated
to feed stationery fuel cell to generate un-interrupted
electricity. Efforts can be made between Auto industrialists
of Pakistan to collaborate into designing commercial
grade hydrogen automotive. There are certain limitations
that have to be taken up by the Government as well
like promotion of local industry, establishment of
an information gateway that should provide all necessary
technical information about the technology, training
of manpower, investments in development of technology,
improving linkages with the foreign manufacturers
and promotion of technology to the local investors.
Likewise Government institutions can also play a vital
role in making information available to the potential
customers. The aim of establishing a production facility
of Fuel cell modules, DC motor drives and accessories
are quite achievable. |
Fuel
Cells for stationery power requirements as an auxiliary
power source is also a very beneficial; as the power
requirements are on sharp increase. The cost of the
Hydrogen fuel cell can be brought down considerably
if we beef up our efforts to establish a production
facility in Pakistan. The recent developments in the
field of hydrogen are very promising and after CNG
promotion the safety risks in the minds of the hydrogen
usability have considerably decreased. After successful
launch of Honda FCX Commercial grade Hydrogen Vehicle,
the ridicules of the anti-hydrogen parties have largely
been subdued. Now we have solution of hydrogen containment
and production as well. |
Tremendous
participation of our local industry is required; the
industrialists who are interested in power solutions,
power generation, auto industry, environmentalists
can all benefit from this technology. It is the time
that industrialists and manufacturers of Pakistan
should think out of the box and start investing in
a market that is extremely rewarding; it is just like
an empty piece of paper where a lot have to be written
on it, to make it truly beneficial for our newer generations. |
|
|
