Chemistry lec 5-6 (1)

Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 23

Chemistry in daily life

BS(DFRSC)
SEMSTER 1
Fuel Cells: A Clean Energy Solution

Introduction

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert chemical


energy directly into electrical energy. Unlike traditional
combustion-based power sources, fuel cells offer a cleaner
and more efficient way to generate electricity. In this
lecture, we will delve into the fundamental principles of
fuel cells, their types, applications, and the challenges
associated with their widespread adoption.
Fundamental Principles of Fuel Cells

A fuel cell typically consists of two electrodes: an anode and a


cathode, separated by an electrolyte.
 Anode: Here, a fuel, such as hydrogen, is oxidized, releasing
electrons.
 Cathode: Oxygen is reduced at the cathode, accepting the
electrons.
 Electrolyte: The electrolyte allows the passage of ions (usually
protons) between the electrodes, completing the circuit.
 This electrochemical reaction generates a direct current (DC)
Types of Fuel Cells

Several types of fuel cells exist, each with its unique characteristics and applications:

1. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells:

o Use a polymer membrane as the electrolyte.


o Operate at relatively low temperatures.
o Ideal for transportation applications like fuel cell
vehicles.
Types of Fuel Cells

1. Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFCs):

o Employ an alkaline solution as the electrolyte.

o Highly efficient but sensitive to carbon dioxide.

o Used in space missions and specialized applications

2. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs):

o Utilize a solid ceramic material as the electrolyte.

o Operate at high temperatures, enabling high efficiency.

 Suitable for stationary power generation and combined heat and power (CHP)
systems
Types of Fuel Cells

1. Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs):

o Use molten carbonate salts as the electrolyte.


o Operate at high temperatures, similar to SOFCs.
o Well-suited for large-scale power generation.
2. Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs):

o Directly oxidize liquid methanol at the anode.


o Portable and compact, ideal for small electronic devices.
Applications of Fuel Cells

Fuel cells have a wide range of applications:

 Transportation: Fuel cell vehicles offer zero-emission transportation


solutions.
 Portable Power: Fuel cells can power small devices like cell phones and
laptops.
 Stationary Power: Fuel cells can provide backup power for buildings and
remote locations.
 Combined Heat and Power (CHP): Fuel cells can generate both electricity
and heat, improving energy efficiency.
Advancement in different fields

Fuel cells represent a promising clean energy technology with the potential to
significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. By
overcoming the current challenges and continuing advancements in technology, fuel
cells can play a vital role in shaping a sustainable energy landscape.
Transportation: Fuel cell vehicles offer zero-emission transportation solutions.

Portable Power: Fuel cells can power small devices like cell phones and laptops.

Stationary Power: Fuel cells can provide backup power for buildings and remote
locations.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP): Fuel cells can generate both electricity and heat,
improving energy efficiency.
Challenges and Future Directions

While fuel cells offer significant advantages, several challenges hinder their
widespread adoption:
 Hydrogen Storage and Distribution: Developing efficient and safe hydrogen
storage and distribution infrastructure.
 Cost: Reducing the cost of fuel cell components and manufacturing processes.

 Durability and Reliability: Improving the long-term durability and reliability of


fuel cells.
 Despite these challenges, ongoing research and development efforts are
addressing these issues. The future of fuel cells holds great promise for a cleaner
and more sustainable energy future.
Future Directions

Fuel cells represent a promising clean energy


technology with the potential to significantly
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve
energy efficiency. By overcoming the current
challenges and continuing advancements in
technology, fuel cells can play a vital role in
shaping a sustainable energy landscape.
Energy-Efficient Technologies and Their Chemical
Principles

Energy-efficient technologies are designed to reduce energy consumption and minimize


environmental impact. Many of these technologies rely on specific chemical principles to
achieve their goals. Here are a few examples:

1. LED Lighting

 Chemical Principle: Electroluminescence. When an electric current is passed through a


semiconductor material (like gallium nitride or indium gallium nitride), it excites
electrons, causing them to emit photons of light.

 Energy Efficiency: LED lights convert a higher percentage of electrical energy into light
compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, reducing energy
consumption.
Lithium-ion Batteries

 Chemical Principle: Intercalation. Lithium ions move between the


anode and cathode of the battery during charging and discharging,
storing energy in chemical bonds.
• Energy Efficiency: Lithium-ion batteries offer high energy density,
enabling longer battery life and reducing the need for frequent
charging.
. Solar Cells

Chemical Principle: Photovoltaic effect. When


photons of light strike a semiconductor material
(like silicon), they excite electrons, generating an
electric current.
 Energy Efficiency: Solar cells convert sunlight
directly into electricity, reducing reliance on fossil
fuels.
4. Fuel Cells

 Chemical Principle: Electrochemical reaction.


Hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen at the
electrodes to produce water and electricity.
 Energy Efficiency: Fuel cells offer high
efficiency in converting chemical energy into
electrical energy, with minimal emissions
5. Heat Pumps

 Chemical Principle: Refrigerant cycle. A working fluid


(refrigerant) absorbs heat from a low-temperature
source and releases it at a higher temperature.
 Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps can both heat and
cool buildings, using less energy than traditional
heating and cooling systems.
.
6. Energy-Efficient Insulation

 Chemical Principle: Thermal conductivity. Insulation


materials, such as fiberglass or polyurethane foam,
have low thermal conductivity, reducing heat transfer.
 Energy Efficiency: Insulation helps to maintain indoor
temperatures, reducing the energy needed for heating
and cooling
Catalysis Chemical Principle:

. Catalysis.
 Catalysts accelerate chemical reactions by lowering the activation
energy. Energy Efficiency: Catalysts can improve the efficiency of
various energy processes, such as those in fuel cells and catalytic
converters.By understanding the underlying chemical principles of
these technologies, we can continue to develop and improve them,
leading to a more sustainable future.

You might also like