Researching Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars
Hydrogen fuel cell cars provide an alternative to the use of fossil fuels for transportation. They convert hydrogen into electricity for power. Research is necessary since the dependence on oil, soaring fuel prices, dwindling resources and its resulting environmental damage ask us to rethink the way we look at sources of energy, particularly for transportation.
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Benefits
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The appeal of hydrogen fuel cell cars is that they do not create carbon dioxide emissions: the only substance they emit is water. Hydrogen is the most basic of all elements and can be produced in limitless quantities from electricity and water. Over time, the use of hydrogen fuel celled vehicles can potentially reduce the level toxins in the atmosphere and decrease the damage from global warming.
Considerations
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If hydrogen fuel cell cars are used, consumers will need a convenient location to refuel. Hydrogen burns quickly, so large fuel tanks are needed to allow longer distance travel. Storage of the fuel is also a costly problem, since it needs to be stored in extremely high pressure containers. Another inconvenience is that these vehicles need to warm up for at least five minutes before they can be driven.
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Considerations
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It will take many years to produce enough hydrogen fuel cell cars on a wide enough scale to make a real impact on decreasing the amount of damage from fossil fuel pollution. Due to slow and expensive production (platinum is a key ingredient in fuel cells), it is estimated that by 2020, only one percent of the consumer population may own this type of vehicle. Government subsidy will be necessary to boost the auto industry into production.
Misconceptions
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Hydrogen has been thought to be a dangerous element to use due to the powerful energy it releases when it is broken apart on an atomic level. However, it can be produced and contained safely. As a fuel, it is considered less of a fire hazard since less heat is generated and its flames travel in an upward direction when ignited.
Warning
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Although hydrogen fuel cars may eventually reduce the toxic emissions in the air, if the fuel is produced using fossil fuels (instead of solar or wind energy) we will not improve our current environment conditions or reduce our dependence on oil.
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Resources
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