Fuel cell technology application for Dubai rail systems

Abstract

Heat engines, such as internal combustion engines, have significant adverse effects on the environment due to their heat and harmful emissions. In addition, they are dependent on energy from fossil resources, which are depleting rapidly and they are not being properly utilized due to the relatively low efficiency of heat engines usually expressed by Carnot's efficiency. The low temperature direct conversion process, in which hydrogen is chemically oxidized, is one of the best alternatives to heat engines. In this process, the heat emitted to the surroundings, or in driving the reaction, is kept to a minimum. This method would meet the pressing need of humanity to find power generation and utilization techniques that are more efficient and less harmful to the environment than conventional power generation methods. This will also help to conserve energy resources, and at the same time, protect the environment by reducing the amount of harmful emissions, and thermal loading i.e. greenhouse effects. In fact, the fuel cell technology can overcome these difficulties and pave the way for utilizing different sources of energy. This paper investigates the possibility of utilizing fuel cell technologies in Dubai public transportation and in particular the rail systems. This matter is critical for Dubai since it is one of the fastest growing cities. Recently Dubai has launched the Clean Energy Strategy, which aims to make Dubai a global centre of clean energy and green economy. The utilization of fuel cell technology is very important for Dubai since it has the potential to increase energy efficiency of the transportation sector, increase energy security, improve environmental quality, and position Dubai as a leading city in advanced rail transportation.