Feasibility Study of Hydrogen Generation as Alternative Fuel for Vehicular Usage Along the 401 Corridor
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Research Presentation
Challenges Theme
Open Challenge
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Ofelia Jianu
Proposal
The 401 corridor is a major source of pollution, contributing large amounts of CO2 to the Earth’s atmosphere each year. Transitioning the commercial traffic travelling via the roadway from fossil fuels to a more environmentally friendly alternative could greatly reduce the negative impacts to the environment and public health. Hydrogen is considered a promising alternative fuel due to its high energy density, favorable fuel economy, and lack of environmentally harmful combustion products.Hydrogen production methods studied in Central and Eastern Canada were reviewed. All the examined research was divided based upon the general means of hydrogen production studied. Of particular importance within the scope of this project were the operation requirements for the hydrogen production methods, such as the methods’ thermal, electrical or material needs. These requirements were compared against resources available at certain locations along the 401 highway. General locations were chosen based on a combination of prior research analyzing the range of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles and established traffic patterns. This study considered those areas to be the cities of Windsor, London, Toronto, Kingston, and Montreal. It was discovered that many resources exist along the desired path which could fuel hydrogen generation for vehicles. Moreover, it was determined that the unique portfolios of resources present in the examined locations made each region especially suited to particular methods of hydrogen production.
Grand Challenges
Viable, Healthy and Safe Communities
Feasibility Study of Hydrogen Generation as Alternative Fuel for Vehicular Usage Along the 401 Corridor
The 401 corridor is a major source of pollution, contributing large amounts of CO2 to the Earth’s atmosphere each year. Transitioning the commercial traffic travelling via the roadway from fossil fuels to a more environmentally friendly alternative could greatly reduce the negative impacts to the environment and public health. Hydrogen is considered a promising alternative fuel due to its high energy density, favorable fuel economy, and lack of environmentally harmful combustion products.Hydrogen production methods studied in Central and Eastern Canada were reviewed. All the examined research was divided based upon the general means of hydrogen production studied. Of particular importance within the scope of this project were the operation requirements for the hydrogen production methods, such as the methods’ thermal, electrical or material needs. These requirements were compared against resources available at certain locations along the 401 highway. General locations were chosen based on a combination of prior research analyzing the range of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles and established traffic patterns. This study considered those areas to be the cities of Windsor, London, Toronto, Kingston, and Montreal. It was discovered that many resources exist along the desired path which could fuel hydrogen generation for vehicles. Moreover, it was determined that the unique portfolios of resources present in the examined locations made each region especially suited to particular methods of hydrogen production.