FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY
Technology overview Hydrogen fuel development Law, legislation, and administrative agency treatment
What is a Fuel Cell?
A Fuel Cell is an electrochemical device that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with water and heat as its by-product.
Why is Fuel Cell Technology Important?
Since conversion of the fuel to energy takes place via an electrochemical process, not combustion It is a clean, quiet and highly efficient process- two to three times more efficient than fuel burning.
How does a Fuel Cell work?
It operates similarly to a battery, but it does not run down nor does it require recharging As long as fuel is supplied, a Fuel Cell will produce both energy and heat
How does a Fuel Cell work?
A Fuel Cell consists of two catalyst coated electrodes surrounding an electrolyte One electrode is an anode and the other is a cathode
How does a Fuel Cell work?
The process begins when Hydrogen molecules enter the anode The catalyst coating separates hydrogen’s negatively charged electrons from the positively charged protons
How does a Fuel Cell work?
The electrolyte allows the protons to pass through to the cathode, but not the electrons Instead the electrons are directed through an external circuit which creates electrical current
How does a Fuel Cell work?
While the electrons pass through the external circuit, oxygen molecules pass through the cathode There the oxygen and the protons combine with the electrons after they have passed through the external circuit When the oxygen and the protons combine with the electrons it produces water and heat
How does a Fuel Cell work?
How does a Fuel Cell work?
Individual fuel cells can then be placed in a series to form a fuel cell stack The stack can be used in a system to power a vehicle or to provide stationary power to a building
Major Types of Fuel Cells
In general all fuel cells have the same basic configuration - an electrolyte and two electrodes Different types of fuel cells are classified by the kind of electrolyte used The type of electrolyte used determines the kind of chemical reactions that take place and the temperature range of operation
Major Types of Fuel Cells
Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)
This is the leading cell type for passenger car application Uses a polymer membrane as the electrolyte Operates at a relatively low temperature, about 175 degrees Has a high power density, can vary its output quickly and is suited for applications where quick startup is required making it popular for automobiles Sensitive to fuel impurities
Major Types of Fuel Cells
Direct Methanol (a subset of PEM)
Expected efficiencies of 40% plus low operating temperatures between 120-190 degrees Also uses a polymer membrane as the electrolyte Different from PEM because the anode catalyst is able to draw hydrogen from methanol without a reformer Used more for small portable power applications, possibly cell phones and laptops
Major Types of Fuel Cells
Phosphoric Acid
This is the most commercially developed fuel cell It generates electricity at more than 40% efficiency Nearly 85% of the steam produced can be used for cogeneration Uses liquid phosphoric acid as the electrolyte and operates at about 450 degrees F One main advantage is that it can use impure hydrogen as fuel
Major Types of Fuel Cells
Molten Carbonate
Promises high fuel-to-electricity efficiency and the ability to utilize coal based fuels Uses an electrolyte composed of a molten carbonate salt mixture Require carbon dioxide and oxygen to be delivered to the cathode Operates at extremely high temperatures 1200 degrees Primarily targeted for use as electric utility applications Have been operated on hydrogen, carbon monoxide, natural gas, propane, landfill gas, marine diesel and simulated coal gasification products
Major Types of Fuel Cells
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell
Because of the extreme high temperatures, nonprecious metals can be used as catalysts at the anode and cathode which helps reduces cost Disadvantage is durability The high temperature required and the corrosive electrolyte accelerate breakdown and corrosion inside the fuel cell
Major Types of Fuel Cells
Solid Oxide
Uses a hard, non-porous ceramic compound as the electrolyte Can reach 60% powergenerating efficiency Operates at extremely high temperatures 1800 degrees Used mainly for large, high powered applications such as industrial generating stations, mainly because it requires such high temperatures
Major Types of Fuel Cells
Alkaline
Used mainly by military and space programs Can reach 70% power generating efficiency, but considered to costly for transportation applications Used on the Apollo spacecraft to provide electricity and drinking water Uses a solution of potassium hydroxide in water as the electrolyte and operates at 75 -160 degrees Can use a variety of non-precious metals as catalyst at the anode and cathode
Major Types of Fuel Cells
Alkaline Fuel Cell
Requires pure hydrogen and oxygen because it is very susceptible to carbon contamination Purification process of the hydrogen and oxygen is costly Susceptibility to poisoning affects cell’s lifetime which also affects the cost
Major Types of Fuel Cells
Regenerative Fuel Cells
Currently researched by NASA This type of fuel cell involves a closed loop form of power generation Uses solar energy to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen Hydrogen and oxygen are fed into the fuel cell generating electricity, heat and water The water byproduct is then recirculated back to the solar-powered electrolyser beginning the process again
Importance of Hydrogen
Fuel Cells require highly purified hydrogen as a fuel Researchers are developing a wide range of technologies to produce hydrogen economically from a variety of resources in environmentally friendly ways
Importance of Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a secondary energy resource, meaning it must be made from another fuel Hydrogen can be produced from a wide variety of energy resources including:
Fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal Nuclear energy Renewable resources, such as solar,water, wind and biomass
Hydrogen Production
The biggest challenge regarding hydrogen production is the cost Reducing the cost of hydrogen production so as to compete in the transportation sector with conventional fuels on a per-mile basis is a significant hurdle to Fuel Cell’s success in the commercial marketplace
Hydrogen Production
There are three general categories of Hydrogen production
Thermal Processes Electrolyte Processes Photolytic Processes
Hydrogen Production
Thermal Processes
Natural Gas Reforming Gasification Renewable Liquid Reforming
Hydrogen Production
Natural Gas Reforming
Steam Methane Reforming
Hydrogen is produced from methane in natural gas using high-temperature steam Methane reacts with the steam in presence of a catalyst to produce hydrogen This process accounts for about 95% of the hydrogen used today in the U.S.
Partial oxidation
Produces hydrogen by burning methane in air
Hydrogen Production
Gasification
Process in which coal or biomass is converted into gaseous components by applying heat under pressure and in the presence of steam A subsequent series of chemical reactions produces a synthesis gas which reacts with steam to produce more hydrogen that can be separated
Hydrogen Production
Renewable Liquid Reforming
Biomass is processed to make renewable liquid fuels, such as ethanol or bio-oil, that are then reacted with high-temperature steam to produce hydrogen This process is very similar to reforming natural gas
Hydrogen Production
Electrolytic Processes
Electrolytic processes use an electric current to split water into hydrogen and oxygen The electricity required can be generated by using renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric power
Hydrogen Production
Photolytic Processes
Uses light energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen These processes are in the very early stages of research but offer the possibility of hydrogen production which is cost effective and has a low environmental impact
Hydrogen Production
Auto manufacturers have worked on developing technology that would allow fuel cell cars to continue using gasoline A “reformer” on the fuel cell car would convert the gasoline to hydrogen onboard the automobile Funding for this technology has been pulled due to unsatisfactory efficiency
How will the hydrogen be stored?
Developing safe, reliable, compact and cost-effective hydrogen storage is one of the biggest challenges to widespread use of fuel cell technology Hydrogen has physical characteristics that make it difficult to store large quantities without taking up a great deal of space
How will the hydrogen be stored?
Hydrogen will need to be stored onboard vehicles, at hydrogen production sites, refueling stations and stationary power sites Hydrogen has a very high energy content by weight (3x more than gasoline) and a very low energy content by volume (4x less than gasoline)
How will the hydrogen be stored?
If the hydrogen is compressed and stored at room temperature under moderate pressure, too large a fuel tank would be required Researchers are trying to find lightweight, safe, composite materials that can help reduce the weight and volume of compressed gas storage systems
How will the hydrogen be stored?
Liquid hydrogen could be kept in a smaller tank than gaseous hydrogen, but liquefying hydrogen is complicated and not energy efficient Liquid hydrogen is also extremely sensitive to heat and expands significantly when warmed by even a few degrees, thus the tank insulation required affects the weight and volume that can be stored
How will the hydrogen be stored?
If the hydrogen is compressed and cryogenically frozen it will take up a very small amount of space requiring a smaller tank, but it must be kept supercold- around -120 to -196 degrees Celsius
How will the hydrogen be stored?
Scientists are researching Materials-based storage
This involves tightly binding hydrogen atoms or molecules with other elements in a compound to store larger quantities of hydrogen in smaller volumes at low pressure near room temperature This technology is considered very promising but additional research is needed to overcome problems dealing with capacity, cost, life cycle impacts and the uptake and release of hydrogen
How will the hydrogen be stored?
Because hydrogen is thought to be an alternative fuel for automobiles, much of the research for hydrogen storage is focused on onboard vehicles Scientists are attempting to develop technology that can rival the performance and cost of gasoline fuel storage systems
How will the hydrogen be stored?
Using current storage technology, in order to place a sufficient amount of hydrogen onboard a vehicle to provide 300-mile driving range the tank would be larger that the trunk of a typical automobile This large of a tank would add to the overall weight of the car and reduce fuel economy
How can Fuel Cell technology be used?
Transportation Stationary Power Stations Telecommunications Micro Power
How can Fuel Cell technology be used?
Transportation
All major automakers are working to commercialize a fuel cell car Automakers and experts speculate that a fuel cell vehicle will be commercialized by 2010 50 fuel cell buses are currently in use in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia Trains, planes, boats, scooters, forklifts and even bicycles are utilizing fuel cell technology as well
How can Fuel Cell technology be used?
Stationary Power Stations Over 2,500 fuel cell systems have been installed all over the world in hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, office buildings, schools and utility power plants Most of these systems are either connected to the electric grid to provide supplemental power and backup assurance or as a gridindependent generator for locations that are inaccessible by power lines
How can Fuel Cell technology be used?
Telecommunications
Due to computers, the Internet and sophisticated communication networks there is a need for an incredibly reliable power source Fuel Cells have been proven to be 99.999% reliable
How can Fuel Cell technology be used?
Micro Power
Consumer electronics could gain drastically longer battery power with Fuel Cell technology Cell phones can be powered for 30 days without recharging Laptops can be powered for 20 hours without recharging
What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?
Physical Security Reliability Efficiency Environmental Benefits Battery Replacement/Alternative Military Applications
What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?
Physical Security
Both central station power generation and long distance, high voltage power grids can be terrorist targets in an attempt to cripple our energy infrastructure Fuel Cells allow the country to discontinue reliance on these potential targets
What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?
Reliability
U.S. businesses lose $29 Billion a year from computer failures due to power outages More reliable power from fuel cells would prevent loss of dollars for U.S. Businesses Properly configured fuel cells would result in less than one minute of down time in a six year period
What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?
Efficiency
Because no fuel is burned to make energy, fuel cells are fundamentally more efficient than combustion systems Additionally when the heat comes off of the fuel cell system it can be captured for beneficial purposes This is called Cogeneration
What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?
Efficiency
The gasoline engine in a conventional car is less than 20% efficient in converting the chemical energy in gasoline into power Fuel Cell motors are much more efficient and use 40-60% of the hydrogen’s energy Fuel Cell cars would lead to a 50% reduction in fuel consumption Fuel Cell vehicles can be up to 3 times more efficient than internal combustion engines
What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?
Efficiency
Fuel Cell power generation systems in operation today achieve 40% to 50% fuel-toelectricity efficiency In combination with a turbine, electrical efficiencies can exceed 60% When Cogeneration is used, fuel utilization can exceed 85%
What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?
Environmental Benefits
Fuels cells can reduce air pollution today and offer the possibility of eliminating pollution in the future
What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?
Environmental Benefits of Fuel Cell Power Generation
A fuel cell power plant may create less than one ounce of pollution per 1,000 kilowatthours of electricity produced Conventional combustion generating systems produce 25 pounds of pollutants for the same electricity
What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?
Environmental Benefits of Fuel Cell Vehicles
Fuel Cell Vehicles with hydrogen stored onboard produce ZERO POLLUTION in the conventional sense The only byproducts of these Fuel Cell vehicles are water and heat
What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?
Environmental Benefits of Fuel Cell Vehicles
Fuel Cell Vehicles with a reformer on board to convert a liquid fuel to hydrogen would produce a small amount of pollutants, but it would be 90% less than the pollutants produced from combustion engines
What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?
Battery replacement/alternative
Fuel Cell replacements for batteries would offer much longer operating life in a packaged of lighter or equal weight Additionally, Fuel Cell replacements would have an environmental advantage over batteries, since certain kinds of batteries require special disposal treatment
What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?
Military Applications
Fuel Cell technology in the military can help save lives because it reduces telltale heat and noise in combat Handheld battlefield computers can be powered for 10 times longer with Fuel Cell power meaning soldiers could rely on their computers in the field for longer periods of time
Challenges to Fuel Cell Technology
Cost
The cost of fuel cells must be reduced to compete with conventional technologies Conventional internal combustion engines cost $25-$35/kW; a fuel cell system would need to cost $30/kW to be competitive
Challenges to Fuel Cell Technology
Durability and Reliability
Durability of fuel cell systems have not yet been adequately established The durability standard for automobiles is approximately 150,000 miles and the ability to function under normal vehicle operating conditions For stationary systems 40,000 hours of reliable operation in a temperature range of -35 degree Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius will be required for market acceptance
Challenges to Fuel Cell Technology
System Size
The size and weight of current fuel cell systems must be reduced to attain market acceptance, especially with automobiles
Legal Environment
Legal Environment
Current Law
Federal and State
Incentives
Federal and State
Proposed Legislation
Federal
Codes and Standards Administrative Agency Treatment
Legal Environment
Norms
Architecture
Technology
Law
Market
I.
CURRENT LAW Federal
Energy Policy Act of 2005
Things to keep in mind:
In many cases, the provisions require further rulemaking by the appropriate agencies (IRS, DOE, EPA, DOT, etc.)
In some instances, the funds must still be appropriated through a separate federal budgeting process
The authorized funding listed indicates ceiling amounts that federal agencies may request for the defined activity $1.3 billion tax reductions for alternative motor vehicles and fuels (hydrogen, ethanol, methane, liquified natural gas, propane)
Programs Connected with Fuel Cells EPAct § 703: Alternative Compliance for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets
Requires certain fleets to acquire a percentage of AFVs each year New section provides for waiver of AFV acquisition if a petroleum reduction plan is implemented; fuel cell vehicles could help
“Fleet must demonstrate an annual petroleum reduction equal to the amount of petroleum it would have reduced if the fleet’s required AFVs acquired in earlier years and other AFVs for which a waiver is requested operated on alternative fuel 100% of the time”
Energy Policy Act of 2005
Programs Connected with Fuel Cells EPAct §§ 721-723: Advanced Vehicles Demonstration and Pilot Program
Energy Policy Act of 2005
Establishes a competitive grant program, administered by Clean Cities, to fund up to 30 geographically dispersed advanced vehicle demonstration projects. EPAct 2005 authorizes $200 million (until expended) for this program.
Programs Connected with Fuel Cells EPAct § 743: Fuel Cell School Buses
Establishes a DOE demonstration program involving fuel cell school bus manufacturers and at least two units of local government currently using natural gas school buses. The non-federal cost share will be at least 20% of infrastructure and 50% of vehicles. EPAct 2005 authorizes $25 million for fiscal years 2006-2009.
Energy Policy Act of 2005
Programs Connected with Fuel Cells
Energy Policy Act of 2005
EPAct § 773: Study of Reducing Use of Fuel for Automobiles
Directs NHTSA to study feasibility and effects of significantly reducing petroleum consumed by automobiles by model year 2014
Potential impacts fuel cell vehicles can make towards petroleum reduction
Programs Connected with Fuel Cells EPAct § 773: Study of Reducing Use of Fuel for Automobiles
“Regarding hydrogen fuel cell technologies, NAS noted their steady stream of progress and their promise for providing improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. However, such vehicles continue to face significant technological, economic, and fueling infrastructure barriers”
Viewed as “long-range breakthrough technology”
Energy Policy Act of 2005
Programs Connected with Fuel Cells EPAct § 782: Federal and State Procurement of Fuel Cell Vehicles and Hydrogen Energy Systems
Requires federal fleets to begin leasing or purchasing fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen energy systems no later than January 1, 2010
Energy Policy Act of 2005
DOE shall provide incremental cost funding and exemptions if the vehicles are not available or appropriate for fleet needs EPAct 2005 authorizes $15 million 2008, $25 million in 2009, $65 million in 2010, and such sums as are necessary each year in 2011-2015
Programs Connected with Fuel Cells
Energy Policy Act of 2005
EPAct § 1341: Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit and Fuel Cell Motor Vehicle Credit
AMV tax credit equals 50% of the incremental cost of AFV (fuel cell included), plus an additional 30% of the incremental cost for AFVs with near-zero emissions
Purchasers can receive up to a $40,000 credit depending on GVWR Typical passenger vehicles can receive up to $5000 credit
Programs Connected with Fuel Cells EPAct § 1341: Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit and Fuel Cell Motor Vehicle Credit
FCMV credit provides a base tax credit of $8,000 for the purchase of light-duty fuel cell vehicles (< 8,501 lb GVWR). The $8,000 credit is valid until December 31, 2009. After that, the credit is $4,000
Also available for medium and heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles For tax-exempt purchasers, credit can be passed back to seller
Energy Policy Act of 2005
Programs Connected with Fuel Cells
Energy Policy Act of 2005
EPAct § 1342: Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit
Provides a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of alternative refueling property, up to $30,000 for business property; includes hydrogen and credit can be passed back to seller Buyers of residential refueling equipment can receive $1,000 credit Expires in 2009, except for hydrogen (2014)
Programs Connected with Fuel Cells EPAct § 1825: Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology Study
Directs DOE to enter into contract with the NAS and National Research Council to carry out a study that provides a budget roadmap for fuel cell technologies
and the transition from petroleum to hydrogen in a significant percentage of vehicles sold by 2020
Energy Policy Act of 2005
Programs Connected with Fuel Cells § 783 Federal Procurement of Stationary, Portable, and Micro Fuel Cells
to stimulate acceptance by the market of stationary, portable, and micro fuel cells; and to support development of technologies relating to stationary, portable, and micro fuel cells.
Energy Policy Act of 2005
Programs Connected with Fuel Cells There are also more programs in EPAct 2005 that directly or indirectly implicate fuel cell technology Title VIII is all about hydrogen, including
appropriations codes and standards task force
Energy Policy Act of 2005
Title XVI is about climate change
Clean Air Act
Programs Connected with Fuel Cells
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C §§ 7401 to 7671q)
1990 Amendments include provisions to encourage or mandate the use of alternative fuels and clean fuel vehicles. CAA § 211 (42 U.S.C. § 7545) Emission Standards for moving Sources CAA §§ 241-250 (42 U.S.C §§ 7581-7590) Clean Fuel Vehicles
clean alternative fuels include hydrogen clean-fuel vehicles in light-duty, heavy duty, fleet, federal agency fleet
Select State Law
State law covers fuel cells indirectly through:
Acquisition requirements Fuel taxes Fuel production standards Energy-based economic development plans
II. Incentives
Federal Incentives
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants
USDA made $22.8 million available for the purchase of renewable energy systems and energy improvements for agricultural producers and small rural businesses Eligible projects include biofuels, hydrogen, and energy efficiency improvements, as well as solar, geothermal, and wind
II. Incentives
Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit
05/06: IRS established a form which provides the mechanism to claim the credit on as many properties as developed
Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit
01/06: IRS established procedures for manufacturers to certify to the IRS that a vehicle meets requirements to claim the credit and the amount of the credit for which the vehicle is eligible
Federal Incentives
Qualified Alternative Fuel Motor Vehicle Credit
06/06: IRS extends credit to converted vehicles when the conversion system manufacturer has received a certificate of conformity from the EPA or California Air Resources Board. Also establishes that manufacturers (conversion system installers) must provide certification to the IRS that a
vehicle is eligible for a tax credit.
Select State Incentives
Last year: 25 incentives from 15 states and D.C. Many relate to low or zero emission vehicle tax credits and alternative fuel tax exemptions Today: 222 incentives from 47 states and D.C. Same focus
Select State Incentives California
AFV Parking Incentives in L.A. (pilot program)
Free meter parking for select AFVs Display sticker Must obey all other parking laws
Select State Incentives California
Alternative Fuel Incentive Development
Allocating $25 million in incentives for: Projects that promote highefficiency alternative fuel fleet vehicles the construction of both publicly accessible alternative fuel retail refueling stations and fleet refueling facilities production incentives for alternative fuel production in California
Select State Incentives California
Hydrogen Energy Plan
“California Hydrogen Highway Network” Commitment by 2010 to
Build a network of hydrogen refueling stations Ensure that hydrogen vehicles are commercially available for purchase Incorporate hydrogen vehicles into the state fleet Develop safety standards for hydrogen refueling stations and vehicles, and Establish incentives to encourage the use of hydrogen vehicles and development of renewable sources of energy for hydrogen production
Select State Incentives California
Hydrogen Specifications
By January 1, 2008, the Department of Food and Agriculture and State Air Resources Board, are required to establish specifications for hydrogen fuels for use in internal combustion engines and fuel cells in motor vehicles Until ANSI formally adopts standards for hydrogen fuels
Select State Incentives California
Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment
funding for the incremental cost of purchasing cleaner than required on-road, off-road, marine, locomotive and agricultural engines, as well as forklifts, airport ground support equipment, and auxiliary power units
Select State Incentives
Illinois
Alternate Fuels Rebate Program
Provides a rebate for 80% of the incremental cost of purchasing an AFV (up to $4,000), 80% of the cost of federally certified alternative fuel vehicle conversions (up to $4,000), and the incremental cost of purchasing alternative fuels Includes hydrogen, but the focus is clearly on E85 and biodiesel
Select State Incentives
North Dakota
Hydrogen to power a fuel cell is exempt from sales tax through 06/10
Oklahoma
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technician Training
Regulates the training, testing, and certification of technicians who install, modify, repair, or renovate equipment used in the fueling of AFVs and the conversion of any engines to alternative fueled engines
Arkansas
Fuel Cell Income Tax Credit
Credit for 50% of the amount spent on a facility that produces fuel cells
III. Proposed Legislation
Federal House and Senate proposals
Currently 26 bills containing reference to fuel cells Many tax incentives and incentive extenders Focus largely on petroleum dependence National security
Federal House & Senate Proposals
American Automobile Industry Promotion Act (S. 1055, H.R. 1915) 3/29/07, 4/18/07
comprehensive development and commercialization of diverse electric drive transportation technologies; public investments to help expand innovation, industrial growth, and jobs in the United States; expand existing electric infrastructure to accelerate the widespread commercialization of plug-in hybrid fuel cell vehicles; to improve the energy efficiency of and reduce the petroleum use in transportation
Federal House & Senate Proposals
Securing America's Energy Independence Act of 2007 (H.R. 550, S. 590) 1/18/07, 2/14/07
Amends tax code to extend the investment tax credit with respect to qualified fuel cell property. Same as Senate bill Extends from 2008 to 2016 for qualified fuel cell properties: Investment tax credit, residential credit up to $500, 3-year accelerated depreciation period
Clean and Green Renewable Energy Tax Credit (H.R. 1596) 3/20/07
Would extend the investment tax credit to 2030
Federal House & Senate Proposals
DRIVE ACT (Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy Act) (S. 339, H.R. 670) 1/18/07, 1/24/07
Accelerated market penetration of advanced technology vehicles and other oil saving technologies, efficient transportation and clean alternative fuels
maintains a policy of fuel neutrality Financial incentives to encourage production and consumer purchase of oil saving technologies and fuels Promote a nationwide diversity of clean alternative motor vehicle fuels and advanced motor vehicle technology
Federal House & Senate Proposals
H-Prize Act of 2007 (S. 365, H.R. 632) 1/23/07
Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish monetary prizes for achievements in overcoming scientific and technical barriers associated with hydrogen energy Hydrogen production, distribution, storage, and utilization: $1,000,000 Prototypes of hydrogen-powered vehicles or other hydrogenbased products: $4,000,000 Transformational changes in technologies for the distribution or production of hydrogen that meet or exceed far-reaching objective criteria: $10,000,000
Federal House & Senate Proposals
Global Warming Reduction Act of 2007 (S. 485) 2/1/07
Takes a global warming focus, rather than petroleum reduction or national security Comprehensive global warming pollution reductions Tax incentives for advanced technology vehicles International and corporate obligations National Climate Change Vulnerability and Resilience Program Energy efficiency performance standards for stationary fuel cells“electricity savings” Fuel cell vehicles included in tax incentives Vulnerability scorecard
IV. Codes & Standards
Multitude of fuel cell infrastructure codes and standards in United States and Internationally from:
ISO, SAE, UL, CSA, and others System design and power systems Vehicles Fuels, fuel tanks, and dispensing Operating instructions and safety Testing and evaluation Will ANSI develop?
Administrative Agency Programs
Department of Transportation Department of Energy Environmental Protection Agency
Department of Transportation
Federal Transit Agency
FTA Fuel Cell Transit Bus
Georgetown Fuel Cell Transit Bus Program
Began the logical transit connection in 1994 Generation II buses in 1998 and 2001 Generation III bus program development began in 2006
Demonstrate 3 hydrogen fuel cell buses in Chicago Demonstrate 3 different types of fuel cell buses at SunLine Transit
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Conduct fuel cell vehicle testing to identify potential failure modes of a high pressure compressed hydrogen storage system Develop a fuel cell vehicle and electrical isolation test procedure
Department of Transportation
Conduct container integrity testing
Conduct a comparative analysis/evaluation of existing and proposed regulations and standards on hydrogen container integrity, general fuel cell vehicle safety, and vehicle crash safety
Department of Energy
Fuel Cells and Infrastructure Technologies Program
Development of next generation technologies, Establishment of an education campaign that communicates potential benefits, and Better integration of subprograms in hydrogen, fuel cells, and distributed energy Lead Federal agency for directing and integrating activities in hydrogen and fuel cell R&D, and is responsible for coordinating the R&D activities for DOE's Hydrogen Program
Department of Energy
FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program
The long-term aim is to develop "leap frog" technologies that will provide Americans with greater freedom of mobility and energy security, while lowering costs and reducing impacts on the environment Examines need and risk of research in Hydrogen Fuel Development in the automotive industry Wants consumers to have variety/choice – what, where, how they drive
George W. Bush
President’s “Hydrogen Fuel Initiative” collaborates with DOE’s FreedomCAR, the Big Three, and the US Counsel for Automotive Research – boasts that it will speed up broad commercialization from 2030 to 2015. “Tonight I am proposing 1.2 Billion in research funding…so that the first car driven by a child born today could be powered by hydrogen…” -State of the Union Address, January 2003
Department of Energy
Clean Cities program
Works with volunteer, public, and private organizations to support localities that decrease petroleum use
Collaborate on public policy issues
Network of more than 80 volunteer coalitions Transportation corridors
North Central E85 Transportation Corridor (NCETC) - (I-90, I94, I-90/94, I-39, I-55, I-80/94, and Michigan Highway 96)
Environmental Protection Agency
National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory
The only federal facility capable of running official tests on fuel cell vehicles Contains hydrogen station for fuel cell vehicles
Environmental Protection Agency
EPA, Chrysler, and UPS collaborated to create emission-free delivery trucks
Joint paper in 2006 detailing the results of the program Despite frequent failures in the fueling station system and cold weather, the program was a success
Limitations Imposed by Law and Regulation?
Few Limitations – Lawmakers and agencies are more concerned with growth of the technology
Environmentally - cleaner Economically – potentially cheaper, renewable National Security – curb America’s dependence on petroleum
Conclusion
Promising technology Most viable for niche market use in the near future Widespread marketplace acceptance and use is still many years away