Sunlight to Wheels: Green Hydrogen vs Battery Energy Chain…

Overview of Green Hydrogen vs Battery Energy Chain

The lab simulates the entire process from capturing renewable energy to powering a vehicle. It compares two key technologies: green hydrogen produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity, and batteries charged directly by solar or wind power.

This comparison highlights the efficiency losses at each step of both chains, from initial energy capture through conversion, storage, and finally propulsion.

Key Components in the Energy Chain

The lab includes a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel array or wind turbines to generate electricity. This power is then used either directly to charge batteries or to electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen, with the hydrogen stored under high pressure.

A proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell in the hydrogen chain converts hydrogen back into electricity for the vehicle's motor, while a battery stores electrical energy from renewable sources for direct use by an electric car.

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Efficiency and Well-to-Wheel Analysis

The lab provides real-time data on well-to-wheel efficiency, which accounts for all losses in the entire process from the initial capture of renewable energy to its final use as propulsion. This includes transmission losses, storage inefficiencies, and conversion efficiencies.

By analyzing these factors, students can understand how different technologies perform under various conditions and make informed decisions about sustainable transportation.

Butler-Volmer Equation and Faraday Efficiency

The Butler-Volmer equation is crucial for understanding the electrochemical processes involved in electrolysis and fuel cells. It describes how electrode reactions depend on overpotential, current density, and temperature.

Faraday's laws of electrolysis dictate that a fixed amount of charge (and thus hydrogen) can be produced from a given quantity of electricity. This principle is essential for calculating the theoretical maximum efficiency of the hydrogen production process.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'well-to-wheel' mean in this context?

Well-to-wheel refers to the complete energy chain from the initial capture of renewable energy (the well) through all stages of conversion, storage, and finally use as propulsion (the wheel).

How is hydrogen storage under 700 bar pressure relevant?

Hydrogen stored at high pressures can be transported and used more efficiently in fuel cell vehicles. This method maximizes the energy density of hydrogen, making it a viable alternative to battery storage.

Why is the Butler-Volmer equation important for this lab?

The Butler-Volmer equation helps explain the efficiency losses during electrolysis and fuel cell operation by showing how electrode reactions are influenced by overpotential, current density, and temperature.

How does the lab compare the efficiency of green hydrogen vs batteries?

The lab provides detailed data on well-to-wheel efficiencies for both technologies, allowing comparison based on factors like transmission losses, storage inefficiencies, and conversion efficiencies at each step in the energy chain.

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Everything above runs in your browser — open Sunlight to Wheels: Green Hydrogen vs Battery Energy Chain Lab and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.

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