Watch Engineering Explained Breakdown Why Hydrogen Engines Are A Bad Idea
So, contrary to what you may think, hydrogen engines are not the best solution for vehicles. In one of his latest videos, the always knowledgeable Engineering Explained breaks down the problems with hydrogen engines and potential upsides with using the better alternative a Hydrogen Fuel cell.
For the uninitiated, a hydrogen engine operates in a similar way as an internal combustion engine, creating power by using fuel from a tank. However, the fuel is pressurized hydrogen gas rather than gasoline or diesel. Then, the hydrogen is fused chemically with oxygen from the air to make water.
As stated by Engineering Explained, “On the surface, hydrogen combustion engines seem like the ultimate solution for car guys. You still get a wonderful four-stroke piston-cylinder combustion engine.”
In theory, just like a hydrogen fuel cell, a hydrogen combustion engine should not produce the environmentally damaging carbon emissions because hydrogen fuel does not have any carbon in it. Yet, because of the combustion process involved with hydrogen combustion engines, it actually produces nitrogen oxide.
Engineering Explained is here to help you )understand some of engineering's most complicated. With a background in mechanical engineering, the Youtuber uses his passion for cars to tackle difficult topics.
Watch the video to see Engineering Explained’s potential simple solution.