Hydrogen Fuel Cost Parity Achieved by Fuel Cell Technology of Loop Energy
Here’s a post from Hydrogen Fuel News including the following:
- Loop Energy has developed a new fuel cell technology that significantly reduces the cost parity between hydrogen and diesel.
- This breakthrough is expected to accelerate the energy transition and position hydrogen fuel cell technology as a viable alternative to diesel-powered vehicles.
- The company is eager to collaborate with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), governments, and the broader hydrogen industry to support zero-emission targets.
- Fuel Cell Stack: Loop Energy’s technology revolves around its fuel cell stack. This stack consists of multiple individual fuel cells arranged in series and parallel configurations. Each cell contains an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane. Hydrogen is fed into the anode side of the cell, and oxygen from the air is supplied to the cathode side
What are the processes behind this technology ?
- Fuel Cell Stack: Loop Energy’s fuel cell technology centers around a stack of individual fuel cells. Each fuel cell contains an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane. The anode receives hydrogen gas (H2), while the cathode receives oxygen (O2) from the air. The electrolyte membrane selectively allows protons (H+) to pass through while blocking electrons (e^-).
- Electrochemical Reaction: At the anode side of the fuel cell, hydrogen molecules (H2) are split into protons (H+) and electrons (e^-). The protons pass through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode side, while the electrons travel through an external circuit, generating an electric current that can be used to power electric motors or other devices.
- Oxygen Reduction Reaction: At the cathode side, oxygen molecules (O2) from the air combine with protons (H+) that have traveled through the electrolyte membrane and electrons (e^-) from the external circuit to form water (H2O) as a byproduct. This process is known as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
- Electricity Generation: The flow of electrons through the external circuit creates an electric current that can be used to power various applications, such as electric vehicles, stationary power generators, or other electronic devices. This electricity generation process is continuous as long as hydrogen fuel is supplied to the fuel cell stack.
- Heat and Water Generation: In addition to electricity, the electrochemical reactions within the fuel cell also generate heat as a byproduct. This heat can be utilized for various purposes, such as heating a vehicle cabin or providing warmth in stationary applications. Moreover, the combination of hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel cell produces water (H2O) as a clean and environmentally friendly byproduct, which can be collected and discharged.
Interestingly, we have some other posts related to this content:
Fuel Cell Technology For Electric Vehicles By Furec: Furec’s breakthrough in fuel cell technology for electric vehicles (EVs) is highlighted, showcasing significant enhancements in efficiency and performance. Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Tech: Alternative to Aircraft Jet Engines: This article explores Airbus’s plan to develop a “megawatt-class propulsion system” for passenger aircraft utilizing hydrogen fuel-cell technology, aiming for zero-emission flights by 2035. Bharti Airtel and Bloom Energy Collaborate on Fuel Cell Technology: This post details the collaboration between Bharti Airtel and Bloom Energy to develop fuel cell technology for powering data centers and other energy-intensive operations.
