Future developments in fuel cell vehicles

Energy Systems and Sustainability

www.ucl.ac.uk

Future developments in polymer electrolyte fuel cells for vehicle applications
Kassim Jama* Afiq Latip Erwan Firdaus
Kranthi K. Kumpatla Mohamud Mohamed
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Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University College London
Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom

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Abstract

The study of fuel cell systems promise to be a very important topic in the present day as we prepare ourselves in the energy challenges that lay ahead of us in the near future. Fuel cell system is an advanced energy system that is safe, clean, renewable and environmentally friendly. As we move towards a greener future, fuel cells is the direction to
15 go for in terms of alternative forms of renewable energy and is a potential solution to our depleting fossil fuel dependency, hence reducing greenhouse gases release and the dangers of global warming. This review article looks into the future developments of fuel cells; particularly polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), in terms of cost and technological advancement of the cell components, in an aim to cost effectively deliver sustainable energy via fuel cells.
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1.0 Introduction
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Ever since the world was introduced to internal combustion engines, there have been many attempts made to replace this form of combustion powered engines in powering vehicles. Combustion engines have two major drawback which results in furthur research in alternative forms of energy system to power up vehicles.

The first problem of internal combustion engines are, the emissions from these engines, primarily, have been proven to harm the environment, causing world problems such as global warming, due to CO2 emissions, and smog, caused
30 by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. The second more obvious problem is the depletion of fossil fuels, which is the primary source of fuel for transportation purposes. Hence, there is an urgent need to

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