Ethanol is a hydrogen-rich liquid and has a specific energy of 8.0 kWh/kg. In a
vehicle, hydrogen storage is done in high-pressure cylinders. The same
fundamental technology is used at other fuel cell systems in vehicles such as
Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity. Hydrogen is also introduced into the cell to
generate electricity, which will power an electric motor that drives the
vehicle. Excess electricity is stored in batteries. The main characteristic of
the system described here is that hydrogen can be generated through an
additional process in a reformer, installed at a fixed station. The reformer
transforms the ethanol stored in the fuel station tank into hydrogen, which can
then fuel a vehicle equipped with high-pressure cylinders and fed into the fuel
cell. The system, however, emits water vapor, heat, and CO2. This is
because carbon dioxide is a byproduct resulting from the transformation of
ethanol into hydrogen. According to studies, despite this the system is carbon
neutral, considering the total cycle. That is, the CO2 released into
the atmosphere is retained by the plantations that are cultivated to produce
ethanol. Thus, the carbon is contained in a closed cycle. In addition to
ethanol, the reformer can also operate with other fuels such as natural gas,
biogas, etc. In view of these facts, we have the following considerations: the
use of an electric traction system with a fuel cell powered by reformed hydrogen
gas from ethanol can allow greater autonomy for electric vehicles, reducing the
dependence on electric charging stations; it can also make a significant
contribution to reducing pollutant emissions. Looking at the world situation in
the medium term, it may turn out to be an alternative system to the use of
internal combustion engines and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.