Explain the pros and cons of hydrogen fuel cells.?

Question

Explain the pros and cons of hydrogen fuel cells.?

Answer 1

I wrote a wiki article in the subject.  See the link below.

Answer 2

pro - clean - non-carbon emitting energy, mostly renewable, Iceland runs buses with them, used in space, cool factor 10

cons- heavy, expensive, sometimes toxic, difficult to get large amounts of hydrogen, difficult to store hydrogen, explosive danger, fire danger, expensive

Answer 3

Hydrogen often comes as a byproduct of petroleum, so it does not always remove our reliance on the black slime. But if it were created (hydrogen) from clean sources of energy powering electrolysis, then maybe. However, electric cars that are charged by clean energy solutions are still far more efficient.

Answer 4

Pros:

-Hydrogen fuel cells only emit water vapor, no CO2 emissions.  If hydrogen is obtained through electrolysis by renewable energy, it is 100% clean.

-Hydrogen can be refueled quickly just like gasoline

-It is the most abundant element on the planet

-Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can get up to 480 miles on one tank (the Toyota FCHV).  Also the Honda FCX gets 270 miles on one tank.

-Hydrogen is twice as efficient as gasoline, so even though it costs $6.98 per kg, its the equivalent to $3.49 per gallon of gasoline

Cons

-There is no hydrogen infrastructure, not enough refueling stations

-The vehicles are only available for lease through Honda, but not purchase through anyone just yet

-Electrolysis is the least efficient way of obtaining hydrogen

-Even though its the most abundant element, its always attached to something, example H20.

Check out the link below for a hydrogen advocates persepective.