Five types of hydrogen fuel cells convert the chemical energy stored in water molecules into usable electrical energy. These types of fuel cells include alkaline, phosphoric acid, polymer electrolyte membrane, molten carbonate and solid oxide. The production costs and fuel efficiency within each of these cells determines the best use for each type. Molten carbonate and solid oxide fuel cells offer the greatest potential for replacing coal, natural gas and other petroleum products as sources of electrical energy.
Hydrogen fuel cells can be engineered into vehicles along two specific application design curves. Hydrogen fuel cells can be adapted to create DC electrical voltage to power both gas and electric hybrid vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cells disassemble the molecular bond between hydrogen and oxygen. This process creates electrical energy. The additional voltage is available to charge electric batteries, run electrical motors and extend the cruising range of electric hybrid vehicles.
The second design curve presents a promising fuel cell application for existing automobile technology. The HHO fuel cell creates free hydrogen and oxygen gas that is directed into a vehicle's air intake system. Both hydrogen and oxygen gases are highly flammable. When these gases are introduced into an automobile's fuel intake system at a controlled rate and mixed with the existing fuel, engine productivity increases by up to 40 percent. The increased efficiency translates into immediate fuel performance improvement.
Research teams at Purdue University and NASA laboratories are testing a new composition rocket fuel. This fuel is comprised of nano-sized aluminum scale and frozen water. The combustible fuel produces hydrogen and aluminum oxide when burned. These environmentally friendly solid rocket boosters have the potential to replace the massive carbon-based solid rocket engines that are currently used during rocket launches around the world.
The Honda Motor Company has adapted the hydrogen fuel cell that powers hybrid electric vehicles to supplement a home's overall power consumption. The Honda EFX Home Energy Station is designed on the backbone of a hydrogen fuel cell. When combined with optional solar panels and a high capacity battery bank, the home energy station can significantly reduce a home's dependence on fossil fuels. When a family also owns a hydrogen powered hybrid vehicle, the Honda EFX Home Energy Station is design to create the hydrogen gas needed by that vehicle. This power system demonstrates the potential that out-of-the-box green engineering will have on our future energy sources and energy consumption.