|
|
If you have contemplated purchasing one of the new hydrogen-powered vehicles, you may have decided against it due to refueling options. Many areas have a very limited number of fueling choices. Fortunately, Honda has devised an innovative and convenient solution to this problem with their home hydrogen fueling station!
A Creative Solution To A Recurrent Problem
Honda is planning to offer one a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to the market as early as 2008. In an effort to attract a greater number of consumers, they have devised a fueling option that can be used from your own home. Until now, many car manufacturers refused to create hydrogen cars because of the lack of available hydrogen.
On the other hand, many fuel companies decided to stop distributing hydrogen because of the lack of vehicles requiring it. Honda’s home hydrogen fueling station, the Home Energy Station IV, creatively addresses both problems with their creative invention.
How It Works
Consumers place Honda’s energy station unit outside of their residence so that the device can convert your home’s existing supply of natural gas to hydrogen. This hydrogen can then be produced and stored to power both your home and your car.
After the reformed natural gas is converted to hydrogen, it runs to a fuel cell stack where it is able to generate electricity. The home fueling station also refines, compresses and stores up to 132 liters of hydrogen for future use when it’s not currently needed.
Cost-Saving Advantage
The Home Energy Station IV will provide sufficient hot water, electricity and heat to most average-sized homes. Individuals who decide to use this ingenious device can enjoy cost savings of up to 50 percent of the cost associated with traditional energy-producing methods.
The station is estimated to sell at approximately $500 when it finally hits the market. However, the significant annual savings consumers will enjoy can quickly help to recover the cost of the station itself.
Environmental Advantages
Even more importantly, the unit reduces harmful carbon dioxide emissions and is much safer than gasoline. The Home Energy Station IV is much more environmentally-friendly than the traditional methods of creating hydrogen which involve burning fossil fuel.
In fact, the hydrogen produced by Honda’s home hydrogen fueling station can reduce dangerous gas emissions by an impressive 30 percent. Therefore, consumers will find that they are not only helping their pocketbook when they purchase this unit, but also the environment.