Without Car Pollution No More a Dream

Written by Editor chem-is-try.org on 01-01-2003

WITH so, cars without pollution is no longer the only car in the research stage or trial, but soon will be sold in bulk. And, for a while, the use of fuel cell that specialized in Mercedes Benz A-Class, which will be named F-Cell. And, the fuel used is hydrogen.

DaimlerChrysler's decision is considered as one step toward the future, given the F-Cell is a completely pollution-free cars. In addition to the free car exhaust emissions (emissions), in any circumstances run the car did not make a sound (noise).

Simply to say, a Mercedes Benz A-Class F-Cell is combining hydrogen carried in the fuel tank with oxygen from the air in the fuel cell to generate electricity. And, the electricity produced is used to drive electric motors.

Mercedes Benz A-Class F-Cell a cruising range of 145 miles one-time charge of hydrogen. Electric motor power (magnitude) 87 PK (paardekracht, horsepower), and the maximum speed that could achieve 140 kilometers per hour. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour is achieved within 16 seconds.

Some other fuel cell cars, which are still in the testing stage, also equip the car with a functioning dynamo amperes or charge the battery while the car is driven by electricity generated from hydrogen. As the hydrogen supply runs out, the electricity in the battery or batteries that will drive the electric machine. Thus, a car cruising can reach more than 300 kilometers. Approximately equivalent to a car that uses gasoline or diesel.

Fuel cells consist of two plate electrodes that flanked the electrolyte. Oxygen is passed on one side of the electrode, while hydrogen is passed to the other side of the electrode to produce electricity, water, and heat.

How it works, hydrogen is channeled through the anode catalyst. Oxygen (from air) enters the cathode catalyst. Encouraged by a catalyst, hydrogen atoms split into protons and electrons which takes a separate path in the cathode. Protons pass through the electrolyte. The electrons create a separate stream, which can be used before the electrons back to the cathode to join the hydrogen and oxygen, and form water molecules.

Fuel cell system includes a fuel reformer can utilize the hydrogen from all types of hydrocarbons, such as natural gas, methanol, or even a gas / petrol. Given the fuel cell work in chemistry and not combustion like conventional engines, the emissions are also very low when compared with conventional engines the cleanest ones.

The use of fuel cells as producers of electricity have been developed for a long time. Currently more than 200 fuel cell system installed in various parts of the world, including in hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, offices, schools, airports, and electricity providers. However, it is of use in a car that was still a new thing.

Accommodate hydrogen for use in cars is not easy. Currently, hydrogen is carried in pressurized cylinders, which can withstand the pressure to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi) or 700 atmospheres. Carry a tube with a pressure of it, just like carrying a bomb, of course, needed special security. If the canister to explode, you can imagine what happened.

DaimlerChrysler seems to successfully overcome the problems brought by the hydrogen storage canister. If not, of course DaimlerChrysler will not be mass produced. (JL)