Advantages & Disadvantages of Hydrogen Gas

As fossil fuels continue to dwindle, the need for alternative energy is becoming stronger. Hydrogen gas as an energy source has become increasingly popular over the years, and efforts to perfect the technology are ongoing. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of using hydrogen gas is important if you wish to understand the future of renewable energy.

Hydrogen Uses

• As a fuel, hydrogen is harnessed using two methods: fuel cells and internal combustion. Fuel cells are like batteries. Oxygen from the air interacts with hydrogen gas in the fuel cells. This reaction creates electricity that can power cars. Internal combustion functions in a similar way to a gas car. As with a conventional vehicle, the engine ignites the hydrogen fuel inside it to produce energy.

Fuel Cell Advantages

• The biggest advantage to fuel cells is their lack of impact on the environment. Hydrogen fuel cells do not emit greenhouse gases. This means a significant reduction in pollution, especially from smog created by nitrogen oxides. Fuel cells are also more efficient than hydrogen combustion engines. Finally, fuel cells produce electricity efficiently with relatively little noise.

Fuel Cell Disadvantages

• While fuel cell technology is promising, there are some issues that need to be addressed before they become mainstream. Fuel cells are extremely expensive. Despite their efficiency, fuel cells have a limited range compared to conventional engines, because they cannot store as much energy. For example, a fuel cell car like the Honda Clarity has a maximum range of 354 miles. The Honda Civic Hybrid, on the other hand, can travel 650 miles before needing a fill-up. As of 2007, the Clarity could be leased for U.S. $600 a month, but buying one up front is not an option because of its production costs. While there is speculation about the exact amount, Honda has not been willing to disclose the numbers. However, the Clarity's target audience is households earning at least $150,000 a year. Compare that with the cost of a Civic Hybrid, which retails for $23,950 as of 2011. With a market this small, switching every car to fuel cells would make them unaffordable for most people, which is why fuel cell cars are not mass-produced to the same extent as gasoline cars. In short, as of April, 2011, the technology is still fairly new, so more time will be needed to perfect it and reduce production costs.

Internal Combustion Advantages

• Internal combustion hydrogen engines are also advantageous. For one thing, they benefit from a familiar technology, making them easier to design and build. These engines are also cheaper than fuel cells. Finally, hydrogen engines are much better for the environment than their gasoline counterparts, significantly reducing smog and other pollutants. Cars that use hydrogen combustion engines do not rely solely on hydrogen. Instead, they act like hybrids. Vehicles such as the Mazda RX-8 combine hydrogen and gasoline separately. The fuel sources can be alternated using a switch. While these designs are very innovative, they are seen as a transitional model until fuel cells become cheaper and more mainstream.

Internal Combustion Disadvantages

• There are two major disadvantages to internal combustion designs. First, they are not quite as efficient as fuel cells. Since gasoline is used to counter the efficiency issues, these cars still emit nitrogen oxide, albeit in lesser amounts. One major hurtle to hydrogen gas in either form is that the process of extracting it requires energy from fossil fuels, resulting in at least some pollution.