Abstract
A unique and integrated fuel cell power system is aimed directly at low output applications where
smaller internal combustion engines (ICE) and batteries are the power source. These include personal
transport and fleet type vehicles used in closed range environments (airports, amusement parks, golf
courses, malls, delivery circuits).
Renewable energy is the only alternative for making hydrogen. Other sources of energy are more
efficiently used directly. Natural gas should be used directly. Electricity is available in off peak
hours to make some hydrogen. Otherwise, renewable sources are the most reasonable energy source for
manufacturing hydrogen.
Fuel cells for buildings and homes might make good backup generators, but not daily energy
sources. Hydrogen can be produced on Earth by water electrolysis. This process may be very efficient
(in excess of 80%). There is always a catch. The process uses electricity. It therefore does not
make much sense to use electricity to generate hydrogen to generate electricity.
The production of high purity hydrogen can happen via electrolysis for export. Hydro electricity
is generally an attractive way to achieve power sources. The achievement of transporting the
electricity efficiently over long distances is perhaps a more effective means of using hydropower
than of converting the hydro power to manufacturing hydrogen.
The time scale of the market broadening for natural gas in the motor vehicle sector strongly
depends on the build-up of a refueling infrastructure. Favorable conditions for alternative energy
sources are expected to encourage vehicle production and consumer acceptance.
Over the longer term, the chemistry of fuel cells will be studied and mastered. At that time,
renewal sources of energy including wind and solar power will be converted to hydrogen for use in
the fuel cells. The high cost of the catalyst platinum is one of several deterrents to rapid
implementation hydrogen infrastructure.
Natural gas is an interim technology that can be used in local filling stations to manufacture
hydrogen should that become economically attractive. Renewable energy as a fuel source for hydrogen
manufacture is what scientists think is needed. Infrastructure investment at $247 million in 2005 is
expected to reach $25.2 billion by 2013. In this manner the global economy can evolve.
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