Green Hydrogen fuel cells have been attracting a lot of attention lately as a clean energy solution that could help to reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels. However, the conventional method of producing hydrogen, which is by steam reforming natural gas, generates significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. This is where green hydrogen comes in, which is a cleaner and more sustainable form of hydrogen that is produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydropower.

What is Green Hydrogen Fuel Cells?

A green hydrogen is a form of hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources. This process splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, with the hydrogen then stored for use as fuel. The clean energy used in the electrolysis process ensures that green hydrogen production generates zero carbon emissions, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods.

How Does Green Hydrogen Fuel Cells Function?

Unlike traditional hydrogen fuel cells, green hydrogen fuel cells are produced using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower. The process of producing green hydrogen fuel cells is called electrolysis, which involves splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrical current.

Once the hydrogen is produced, it can be stored in tanks for use in fuel cells. In a fuel cell, hydrogen is combined with oxygen from the air to produce electricity, heat, and water. This reaction occurs in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that is made up of two electrodes and a polymer electrolyte membrane.

The anode electrode is where the hydrogen enters the fuel cell and the cathode electrode is where the oxygen enters. The polymer electrolyte membrane acts as a barrier between the two electrodes and allows only ions to pass through. The hydrogen ions pass through the membrane to react with the oxygen at the cathode electrode, producing electricity and water.

What Are the Fuel Cell Types? 

Fuel cells are devices that convert chemical energy from a fuel source into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. There are several types of fuel cells, including:

1. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells: These are the most common type of fuel cell and are used in vehicles, portable electronics, and residential combined heat and power systems.
2. Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFCs): These are among the earliest developed fuel cells and are highly efficient, but are not widely used due to their high cost and sensitivity to impurities.
3. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFCs): These fuel cells operate at a high temperature and are commonly used in large-scale stationary power plants.
4. Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs): These operate at high temperatures and are highly efficient, but are only used in industrial applications due to their high cost.
5. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs): These fuel cells are highly efficient and can operate at high temperatures, making them well-suited for large-scale stationary power generation.
6. Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs): These fuel cells are used in portable electronic devices and are highly efficient, but are limited by their high cost and the need for pure methanol.

Advantages of Green Hydrogen Fuel Cells

1. Environmentally Friendly: Green hydrogen production generates zero carbon emissions, making it a clean and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods.
2. Renewable Energy: Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydropower, which means that it’s a sustainable energy source that can help to reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels.
3. Versatility: Green hydrogen can be used in a variety of applications, including transportation, heating, power generation, and industry.
4. High Energy Density: Hydrogen has a high energy density, meaning that it can store a large amount of energy in a small space. This makes it an attractive option for use in vehicles and other applications where space is limited.

Challenges of Green Hydrogen Fuel Cells

1. Cost: Currently, green hydrogen production is more expensive than traditional hydrogen production methods. This is due to the cost of the renewable energy sources used in the electrolysis process.
2. Infrastructure: There is currently a lack of infrastructure in place for the production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen, which is limiting its widespread adoption.
3. Durability: Fuel cells are still a relatively new technology, and there is a need for more research and development to improve their durability and performance.

Green hydrogen is a clean and sustainable form of hydrogen that has the potential to be a game-changer in the world of energy. With zero carbon emissions and a high energy density, green hydrogen is an attractive alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods. However, there are still challenges that need to be overcome, including the cost of production, the lack of infrastructure, and the durability of fuel cells. Despite these challenges, the future of green hydrogen looks promising, and it is a technology that we should continue to invest in and develop.

Read Alos: India’s Green Hydrogen Initiative Requires Funding & Cost-Effective Technology

We At GH2 Solar

GH2 Solar is a technology-oriented company that has vast experience in executing oil and refineries solar rooftop & large-scale utility projects across India. Being already experienced in the renewable sector, now we are working on the development of “Green Hydrogen” & HAAS (Hydrogen as a Service). If you are planning to adopt Green Hydrogen, you can connect with GH2 Solar to get all information about the same.

For more information, please give us a call at 1800-102-8685Green Hydrogen fuel cells