Fuel cells the key to range extended EVs?
Ford's hydrogen plug-in hybrid powertrain
Can hydrogen and batteries co-exist?
Hydrogen fuel cell cars and plug-in electric vehicles.
Oil and water? Fire and ice?
Or perfectly complimentary technologies?
Some of the most forward thinkers and activists in the auto and energy-related fields believe in hydrogen fuel cell cars or battery-powered electric vehicles. Many of these thinkers and activists, however, believe only in one of these technologies, while finding the other technology a complete boondoggle.
EnerDel, a lithium-battery developer and its subsidiary, EnerFuel, on the other hand, believe that these technologies are a perfect match according to a very fascinating GreenCarCongress report.
Together the two companies are developing an electric vehicle with a fuel cell range extender with a unique on-board reformer that enables the use of conventional fuels rather than hydrogen, thereby reducing the need for super grids, charging stations and a hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
“To the user, suggests Dr. Daniel Betts at EnerFuel, perhaps the most important difference between a fuel cell and an ICE range extender such as that used in the Chevrolet Volt is that the fuel cell can charge the vehicle battery while parked. Further, fuel cell system efficiency increase at partial loads, whereas ICE efficiency decreases at partial loads. Depending on the state of charge of the vehicle battery or the rate of charging that is required by the user, the efficiency of charging could be many times higher than that of ICE and on occasions higher than the grid efficiency, EnerFuel says.”
One of the keys to this combination of technologies is the fact that unlike a typical fuel cell vehicle which relies on a fuel cell that can provide 60 kW to 100 kW of power, EnerFuel is developing 3 kW and 5 kW systems; thereby significantly reducing costs. Based on this capability, EnerFuel envisions other combinations that offer less overall range, such as 200 miles, but at significantly reduced costs.
Tom – For certain this powertrain isn’t coming fast, but it is a very interesting development. The fuel cell offers more range and less weight than lithium batteries according to EnerDel. Likewise, with the on-board reformer, re-fueling is exactly the same as with ICE, but at much greater efficiencies because the fuel cell offers greater recharging capabilities for the battery pack. Supposedly, the on-board reformer itself is also a pretty big breakthrough.
At this point in time, range extended EVs based on ICE are not cost-effective. Even GM has fully admitted to that fact.
Likewise, I’m going to eventually write a pretty interesting – at least in my opinion – piece on lithium. Without doubt lithium is greener than petroleum, but a massive uptick in lithium production will almost certainly lead to massive human right’s violations and some very significant environmental damage.
ultimately, i just like a few eggs in my basket, and that’s why i found this story so interesting.
charging stations-
i think what is being proposed here is pretty viable, at least relative to EV costs. compared to conventional gasoline vehicles both this option and pure EVs just aren’t as commercially viable.
nevertheless, major breakthroughs have been made in fuel cell costs by significantly reducing the need for platinum for instance. the possibility of platinum-free fuel cells is even beginning to appear as a possibility. more interesting, that platinum-cost reduction is based upon a full fuel cell vehicle. the beauty of this idea is built upon a much smaller fuel cell stack, which means even far less platinum.
Many years ago I used to be a hydrogen supporter until I realized a couple of things.
Hydrogen needs to be manufactured. Either by electrolysis [water] or Methane [carbon based fuel]. Either of these methods take energy which is wasted in the manufacturing process.
I believe fuel cells are nothing more than small electric power station and depending on how you view the manufacturing process; based on carbon based fuels. Seems to me it would be better; at least for the next 10 years or so; to just use the existing Internal Combustion Engine [ICE]. It is true that ICE’s are not as clean as fuel cells operating on hydrogen. But improved battery technology is just around the corner which will probably eliminate the need for fuel cells in the first place. Remember, the closer you can get to the energy source before using the source results in less wasted energy.
Never forget what our end goal should be; higher mileage, lower pollution and less burning of carbon based fuels. There are numerous ways to achieve those goals.
1. Use technology to advance our transportation and energy production methods.
2. Develop a plan for the orderly transition to a society based on clean renewable energy. How are we doing on this one LOL.
3. Just STOP BURNING the darn stuff.
Tom G.
A small fuel cell stack would be ideal as a range extender. It won’t take much space and you will hardly use it.
also promised to demonstrate a commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell by 2010. Charging Starting Systems