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Hydrogen Cars, Into the Future with FCX Clarity
The first ever dedicated platform hydrogen vehicle is from Honda. It is the Honda FCX Clarity. The FCX Clarity is a zero-emission sedan and a truly futuristic car too.
Let us now look at how does a hydrogen powered car works. In fact there isn't much difference in the working of a hydrogen powered car and a petrol or diesel powered car. And so, very similar to a diesel or petrol engine car, the hydrogen powered car makes use of the hydrogen stored in the onboard tank to generate power. The first hydrogen powered car made in the history was back in 1807. And it was Francois Isaac de Rivaz who designed the first internal combustion engine that would run on hydrogen. And in less than 60 years from then, in 1863, a single cylinder hydrogen powered vehicle, Hippomobile, from Etienne Lenoir came out. And Lenoir was actually able to sell about 500 of such vehicles.
It is sure that the hydrogen vehicles will gain more interest during these days. And it is because there is a very high environment awareness that is making everyone select pollution-free vehicles. Hydrogen vehicles emit only water and so is a truly eco-friendly vehicle. There is absolutely no harmful exhaust gasses and carbon dioxide emissions. The difficulties arising due to the lack of petroleum and the unpredictable prices will all be answered with the coming of hydrogen vehicles.
Talking about the different technologies available for producing a hydrogen powered car, there are two ways available to the car manufacturers these days. The first one makes use of the internal combustion engine where there will be only minor changes made so as to allow the engine to burn hydrogen in place of petrol.
It is sure that the hydrogen vehicles will gain more interest during these days. And it is because there is a very high environment awareness that is making everyone select pollution-free vehicles. Hydrogen vehicles emit only water and so is a truly eco-friendly vehicle. There is absolutely no harmful exhaust gasses and carbon dioxide emissions. The difficulties arising due to the lack of petroleum and the unpredictable prices will all be answered with the coming of hydrogen vehicles.
Talking about the different technologies available for producing a hydrogen powered car, there are two ways available to the car manufacturers these days. The first one makes use of the internal combustion engine where there will be only minor changes made so as to allow the engine to burn hydrogen in place of petrol.
The second method is to cause a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell, in the course of electrochemical means. This reaction will create electricity which helps to drive an electric traction motor that gives power to the wheels of the vehicle. And the most interesting fact is that the only by-product of this reaction is water. Most of the car manufacturers find these two technologies as the most apt ones. And more that working on the conventional combustion engine the car makers are finding it more profitable and meaningful to work on the fuel cell.
The working of a fuel cell is not a very complicated one. A pack of individual fuel cells work in agreement to unite hydrogen that is stored in the tank with oxygen in the air, which will produce electricity. And the electricity thus produced will power an electric motor which drives the vehicle. This is the working of a fuel cell in very simple words.
But to be more definite, hydrogen fuel is supplied into the anode of each fuel cell. Hydrogen atoms with the help of a catalyst are split into electrons and protons. The electrons are then conducted through a circuit to generate electricity, while the protons are channeled through a polymer electrolyte membrane. The oxygen in the air comes into contact with the electrons and protons and the by product, water, is formed.
The revolutionary FCX Clarity from Honda is named the 2009 World Green Car. The FCX is powered by an electric motor making use of the fuel cell stack developed by Honda. California has the strictest emission norms in the world. And this no carbon dioxide emitting and only water and heat emitting Clarity has now has selected customers in California. Honda is expected to make the car available to more and more customers. And this will depend on the availability of fuel.
The working of a fuel cell is not a very complicated one. A pack of individual fuel cells work in agreement to unite hydrogen that is stored in the tank with oxygen in the air, which will produce electricity. And the electricity thus produced will power an electric motor which drives the vehicle. This is the working of a fuel cell in very simple words.
But to be more definite, hydrogen fuel is supplied into the anode of each fuel cell. Hydrogen atoms with the help of a catalyst are split into electrons and protons. The electrons are then conducted through a circuit to generate electricity, while the protons are channeled through a polymer electrolyte membrane. The oxygen in the air comes into contact with the electrons and protons and the by product, water, is formed.
The revolutionary FCX Clarity from Honda is named the 2009 World Green Car. The FCX is powered by an electric motor making use of the fuel cell stack developed by Honda. California has the strictest emission norms in the world. And this no carbon dioxide emitting and only water and heat emitting Clarity has now has selected customers in California. Honda is expected to make the car available to more and more customers. And this will depend on the availability of fuel.
