The hydrogen engine: reality or fantasy?

maggio 27, 2021

The hydrogen engine is almost certainly a reality for the future for heavy and marine transport, while for cars, perhaps the disadvantages are still too many compared to the advantages. Analyzing the hydrogen-powered electric motor is certainly interesting from the point of view of the reduction of emissions released from its operation, but also from its fuel cell operation.

How does the hydrogen powered engine work?

The electric motor must be supported by several large batteries, in reality even the hydrogen power supply works in this way, however the battery has the only traction function because it is constantly powered by the fuel cell. The fuel in this case is not electricity, but hydrogen, which is stored inside a cylinder. From here it exits in the direction of the fuel cell, where it meets with the surrounding oxygen and electrolysis takes place, the reaction through which energy is created. What escapes from this process is the water vapor which is re-emitted into the atmosphere.

Advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen power

Let's start with the disadvantages, because they are shorter and more intuitive, then we also come to the advantages and a broader discussion of sustainability and circular economy.

First of all the disadvantages are due to the cost of the finished product, because obviously being a technology still embryonic, it is not possible to produce it on a large scale. So, in addition to the few columns for hydrogen recharging, the problem lies in the scarcity of platinum, a necessary element for fuel cells. Another important aspect to consider is the dispersion of hydrogen during electrolysis, which undermines the efficiency of the medium. As for the advantages are obviously the absence of emissions, the silent engine, the recovery of energy during braking, as then also happens for the electric motor cars that we already know, the recharge speed (about the same as a full tank of petrol). ) and autonomy of about 500 km.

Why is the hydrogen engine not popular?

Unfortunately, this type of vehicle has a safety problem that is being solved: the collision could lead to an explosion given by a hydrogen leak that would react with oxygen in an uncontrolled way. Although usually the tanks used have very resistant walls. During tests it was found that they did not suffer any kind of damage at the time of simulations of very large accidents, despite this, the danger remains. In fact, it is thought that it is better to use it for naval transport where there is less risk of accidents. Furthermore, to produce hydrogen it is necessary to use energy, which is currently still generated by combustion. In this respect, the problem is given by the storage of renewable energy, which is very volatile. While hydrogen would be well storable, in fact the idea could be to transform other types of renewable energy into hydrogen. However, creating hydrogen from combustion is not the only system, in fact many companies produce it as processing waste and, instead of treating it as such, it should be purified and reused. Another point in favor of hydrogen is that it is easy to produce, because water and energy are enough. The latter, in order for the process to be totally sustainable and in a circular perspective, it is necessary that it comes from renewable energy and that the infrastructures are implemented to reduce travel.

What do the gears fit into all of this?

Little, despite the fact that a power reducer is still needed to manage the electric motor, we talk about this in our article electric motor: will gears still be needed. Beyond this, I believe that a company operating in such a specific sector as that of mechanics must be open and updated on all market trends, ready to pick up the signals despite its specialization. G.S.I. proposes itself as a reliable partner in the development and prototyping of mechanical transmission parts also through technical consultancy and assisted design! You can contact us to better develop your project!

The hydrogen engine: reality or fantasy?

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