HYDROGEN FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR MECHANICAL POWER SYSTEMS

Abstract

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is proving to be an important pathway for mechanical power systems toward sustainability, providing an efficient, low emission alternative to fossil fuel-based energy generation. The study reviews hydrogen fuel cells machines basics, recent technological gains and possible applications across several sectors to minimize carbon contribution and energy security. The electrochemical reaction at the core of hydrogen fuelcells is the conversion of hydrogen and oxygen to electricity:   2H2+O2→2H2O+energyThis takes place at the anode and cathode where hydrogen is oxidized: H2→2H++2e- and at the cathode, oxygen is reduced:O2+4H++4e-→2H2O And in the process, it generates electric power while releasing only water. Different methods of hydrogen production, including steam methane reforming (SMR), CH4+2H2O→CO2+4H2 electrolysis, 2H2O→2H2+O2 and biomass gasification, CnHm+nH2O→nCO+m/2+nH2 along with storage options like compressed hydrogen, liquid hydrogen, and metal hydrides. New catalyst materials, improved membrane design, and developments in nanotechnology have improved the durability and the efficiency of fuel cells, driving commercialization work. But widescale adoption is hampered by factors like infrastructure shortcomings, its high production cost and policy barriers. Future research is required in efficiency, cost-effective hydrogen production, and infrastructure. By overcoming these obstacles with innovation and supportive policies, there is an opportunity to speed the hydrogen-based energy transition, delivering substantial benefits to global decarbonization efforts and improving energy security.