Leading automakers and transit bus companies are demonstrating hydrogen fuel cell and combustion engine vehicles in real-world driving conditions. To bring hydrogen-powered vehicles to the commercial market, they must have the range, durability, reliability and cost that American consumers expect. In addition, hydrogen stations must be convenient, safe and reliable. From well to wheels, vehicles powered by hydrogen reduce greenhouse gas emissions and criteria pollutants. They are full-function vehicles that will meet customer expectations and be better for the basic operation of fuel cells.
The key component of each individual fuel cell - a number of them are combined into a stack - is a proton-conducting membrane. It is located between each anode and cathode pair. Hydrogen flows on the anode side, and air flows into the cell on the cathode side. When many of these cells are combined in a stack, enough energy can be generated to drive a vehicle.
In each cell, hydrogen and oxygen react to form water on the cathode side. The fuel cell thereby converts chemical energy directly into electrical energy in an oxidation, or "cold" combustion process. The generated "exhaust" is clean water vapor.
The fuel cell is supplied fuel from the hydrogen tank and oxygen from the air by an external air inlet and outputs the electrical energy it generates - the power - via a converter and a downstream electrical system rectifier - to one or more electric motors.
