Plug-in fuel cell hybrids as transition technology to hydrogen infrastructure

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Plug-in fuel cell hybrids as transition technology to hydrogen infrastructure

Suppes, G.J. / Lopes, S. / Chiu, C.W.

The plug-in hybrid is a modified version of a hybrid vehicle with a secondary power source larger than in a standard hybrid that can be recharged using grid electricity. By replacing vehicular fuel consumption with grid power, advantages of zero point-source emissions and displacement of petroleum fuel consumption can be realized. In this configuration, the hybrid vehicle functions more like an electric car with internal combustion engine (or fuel cell) backup to provide increased range upon demand. The fuel cell hybrid provides an additional degree of freedom on this plug-in option; namely, the grid power could be used to recharge batteries (the secondary power source) or to hydrolyze water to hydrogen for use with the fuel cell (primary energy converter). This paper compares advantages and disadvantage of these two plug-in options. Fuel cell vehicles could provide the option of using electrolysis to produce 20 mile of stored hydrogen and oxygen alternative to using batteries. The hydrogen/oxygen storage would take about 30 l in volume which is considerably less than the volume of battery packs providing the same energy storage capacity. Depending upon commuting distances, recharge options of 40 or even 60 mile would also be reasonable and would further displace the consumption of petroleum fuels. Designing for overnight charging, the cost of the electrolysis equipment would be less than 1/30 th the cost of the fuel cell stacks.