Hydrogen or Gasoline? Controversial Debate to `Fuel' the Day's Agenda at SAE World Congress ..( March 5 2001 )
OURCE: Society of Automotive Engineers
Hydrogen or Gasoline? Controversial Debate to
`Fuel' the Day's Agenda at SAE World Congress
WARRENDALE, Pa., Dec. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The ability to purchase a fuel cell vehicle is just around the corner, however
one big question remains: ``what fuel should power these low-emission vehicles?''
The controversial topic will be debated during a daylong session, ``Fuel Cell Power for Transportation,'' at the SAE World
Congress, Monday, March 5, Room W1-54, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
``The question of fuel choice for fuel cell vehicles remains an open one,'' says Paul J. Berlowitz, ExxonMobil Research &
Engineering Co. and SAE panelist. ``The major practical barrier to widespread introduction of fuel cell vehicles is the need to
provide hydrogen to the fuel cell. Development of onboard hydrogen storage may be practical in the future, but will require a
large R&D effort. At this time, a practical solution for hydrogen storage is not available.''
According to Berlowitz, numerous factors such as safety and health concerns, infrastructure cost and public acceptance must
be considered before a fuel is selected.
``While hydrogen may be a long-term fuel source for fuel cell vehicles, current work in fuel processing of ''gasoline`` fuels could
produce a practical vehicle in the next several years. We are currently actively involved with OEM partners in developing
gasoline-based fuel cell fuel processors and determining the fuel requirements for these processors.''
The first fuel cell was built in 1839, but serious interest in the technology as a generator did not happen until the 1960s when the
U.S. space program chose fuel cells over risky nuclear power and more expensive solar energy.
A fuel cell produces electricity by combining oxygen and hydrogen in an electrochemical reaction with only pure water as a
product. Multiple cells are ``stacked'' together to provide a high voltage power source to an electric motor to power the
vehicle. The stack continues to produce power as long as fuel is provided and does not produce any emissions.
Panelists for the 11 a.m. discussion, moderated by Richard Stobart of Cambridge Consultants, Ltd., include Berlowitz, Gary J.
Acres, Johnson Matthey PLC and Peter Histon, BP International. During the daylong technical session, more than a dozen
international experts will address different fuel types and fuel processing. The panelists will discuss the wider aspects of fuel
choice, and the demand placed on research and development.
The SAE World Congress, the world's largest showcase of automotive engineering technologies, attracts attendees from more
than 50 countries. To attend, visit www.sae.org/congress or call 1-877-SAE-CONG (723-2664); outside the U.S. and
Canada, call 1-724-772-4027.
biz.yahoo.com ... original yahoo report
SAE Bookstore
Fuel Cell Technology for Vehicles
EDITOR(S):
Richard Stobart
Edition:
The development of fuel cell technology has been underway for over 30
years. Fuel cell power systems are attractive for vehicle propulsion, offering
low emission and high efficiency levels. Fuel Cell Technology for Vehicles is
a collection of 31 of the most important technical papers in this area offering
a current perspective on this rapidly evolving technology. Sections cover:
The Fuel Cell Vehicle in the Transport Infrastructure - Discuss the fuel
processor and fuel cell stack developments, deployment, vehicle
performance, costs to manufacture, and both local and global environmental
impacts. Fuel and Fuel Choice - The fuel that might best meet the needs of
a fuel cell vehicle is hotly debated and the choice is by no means certain.
The papers in this section are drawn from a variety of sources and represent
a broad viewpoint. Fuel Processing - Describes a different empasis on the
development of an on-vehicle fuel processor and illustrates the challenges
faced. Fuel Cell Stacks - Discusses the design and operational
characteristics of fuel cell stacks, PEM and solid oxide technology, and the
status of the development of a direct methanol fuel cell. System Questions -
Putting It All Together - Covers topics such as the choice of electrical
systems parameters and hybridization alternatives. Balance of Plant -
Discusses balance of plant topics including compressor expander units,
intake and exhaust systems, thermal management and the sizing of the fuel
cell stack. Modeling and Control of Fuel Cell Power Systems - Discusses
possible control strategies, the development processes, and promising
solutions. The section concludes with an analysis of a study on the true
efficiency of alternative vehicle powerplants and alternative fuels.
ISBN Number: 0-7680-0784-4
Date Published: March 2001
288 Pages
8 Sections
Binding: Paperbound
Product Code: PT-84
Product Status: In Stock
sae.org ... original SAE link and order form
point of interest :
p.e.m.'s desperately need a infrastructure change decision this spring in order to invent, build, and purchase the tooling they'll need to become suppliers next decade. Then a couple of hundred billion dollars needs to be found to build an infrastructure change. Hopefully the consumer wins here with a gasoline decision, otherwise the Canadian Government will try to take the infrastructure costs out the taxpayers pocket as per usual.
On the otherhand GLE is all set to go, and even if a safe , reliable , pure hydrogen infrastructure is accomplished this Century, Global Thermoelectric would have at least 100 years of solid oxide manufacturing to their credit. GLE's specifications allow their their cells to run on pure hydrogen as well as ' clean, green gasoline' !!! |
