Hydrogen Fuel Cell Kia | Road Tests, Auto Features



Hydrogen Fuel Cell Kia

by David Morgan (10 Jan 08) As I flew into South Korea to examine Kia's fuel-cell research and development programme, I had just read a depressing account on "emission-free" power plants by a Dr Wilson Flood. Dr Flood was clearly frustrated by recent hyped claims that the "hydrogen fuel cell" car had arrived to solve the planet's pollution woes. Honda plans to market the world's first hydrogen fuel cell car - at £50,000 a throw - and begin the car's global cleanup act. Dr Flood's not so sure - and after witnessing Kia's remarkable research, neither am I. Unlike the venerable doctor I do not think we will never overcome hydrogen fuel-cell technology problem – only that it will take a lot longer than we think. Dr Flood says there is much standing in the way of hydrogen fuel cell success. First, hydrogen is notoriously difficult to handle and cannot be liquefied until below minus 240 degrees C. He adds that suggested "home hydrogen production plants" for domestic use should be "approached with caution" - think Hindenburg airship disaster and you'll appreciate why. Finally, hydrogen is known to explode unpredictably and cannot currently be produced economically from water by electrolysis using electricity as some technologists have claimed. His conclusion? This "magic" fuel will always be too costly to produce, difficult to handle and make hydrogen-powered fuel-cell cars the playthings of a handful of rich enthusiasts. So why bother? Well, with all due respect to Dr Flood and the other Doubting Thomases, companies like Kia are pouring millions into research to find a way through the seemingly impenetrable jungle and develop clean energy. I sympathise with Dr Flood, but I've seen the future and by the time I flew out of Seoul the fuel cell depression that had settled on my mind had lifted. The solution is still a long way off, but Kia's impressive research programme is trying to make myth a reality. And on the way it is only people like those at Kia with fantastic intellectual resources and great commitment that just might find the answer to keep the planet's wheels turning cleanly and sustainably. More . . . Back to Industry Features index Back to main Features index

COMMENT ON THIS STORY

Name:Larry Pines

04/03/2008

Fortunately not everyone is buying into the old "If it could be done - someone would've already done it" maxim. Many innovators, including the garage based (i.e.: Steves - Jobs and Wozniak), have been working on this problem and MAY have solutions. With the advent of The Internet and the wealth of information at one's finger tips through it - development of a viable technology can be at-hand fairly soon. The main drawback is those who control funding. In the USA the Dept Of Energy boasts its 'Inventions and Innovations' programme - but check the fine print. They have no funding to grant (little wonder considering the private business interests of the president and VP). As with all other global problems requiring technology solutions - the money men (or women) must (1) first be convinced the problem exists and is a danger to themselves, (2) they must be convinced the technology can

Name:Dave

04/02/2008

Hydrogen stored at high pressures is the only way of getting enough in the confined space of a small vehicle. The material is very rarely stored in bulk at high pressure. any leak can cause cold burns to the skin, the vehicle must be well ventilated as the gas is lighter than air and will ac****ulate in high pockets this could cause asphyition or burns from ingnition. this gas has no smell. Handling of this gas requires personal protective clothing. If you want to use it at low pressures you will need a large space like a baloon to hold the gas.

Name:Neil Lindsay

10/01/2008

The Hindenburg disaster was not caused by Hydrogen but was caused by the as static apark setting off the sealant used on the canvas. That sealant was an exposive and is now used in many applications including blasting for strip mining. The Germans figured this out with in 18 months after the disaster. Besides beginning chemistry class shows how hydrogen burns colorlessly and the Hindenburg burned with a bright yellow and orange. Had the Hindenburg been using helium the result would have still been the same.

Name:Mike

Hyrogen is currently produced is large quantities all over the world for industrial use. H2 production is a $60 billion industry. The current cost of hydrogen, when used in fuel cell vehicle application is approx $30 to $48 per tank (6 kg.) That will power a car like the new Cadillac Provoq 300 miles, with a top speed of 100 mph, with a fuel price that is less per mile driven than gasoline. Hydrogen has been safely handled and stored for more than a century. Sooner than you think, hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles will be available.