🚀 Module 0: Introduction
Welcome to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Propulsion!
This comprehensive course covers hydrogen fuel cell systems for low-speed vehicles, from basic principles to advanced integration techniques.
Course Modules
- Fundamentals: Electrochemistry and fuel cell basics
- PEM Technology: Membrane electrode assembly details
- System Components: Balance of plant architecture
- Golf Cart Application: Practical sizing and integration
- Hybrid Integration: FC-battery topologies (series/parallel)
- Power Management: Control strategies and optimization
- Safety & Storage: Hydrogen handling and regulations
- Advanced Topics: Future technologies and trends
Why Hydrogen for Golf Carts?
✓ Zero Emissions: Only water vapor produced
✓ Fast Refueling: 2-3 minutes vs 2-8 hours charging
✓ Extended Range: 80-120 km per kg H₂
✓ Weight Savings: 300-400 kg lighter than lead-acid
✓ Indoor Safe: No emissions during operation
Real-World Example: Mike Strizki's Golf Cart
Mike Strizki converted a GEM golf cart at Mohegan Sun resort using a 3 kW fuel cell. The hydrogen fuel comes in a four-pound canister under 2,500 psi, which can be easily purchased from commercial specialty gas providers. The refueling process takes only two minutes.
System Cost: ~$3,000-5,000 for conversion
Benefits: Non-polluting for indoor use, extended range, fast refueling
Typical Fuel Cell Stack for Golf Carts
Compact PEM Fuel Cell Stack (1.2-3 kW):
- Physical Size: Approximately 30×20×15 cm (comparable to a car battery)
- Weight: 8-15 kg (stack only)
- Construction: Multiple cells stacked in series (50-80 cells typical for 48V)
- Cooling: Liquid cooled with integrated coolant channels
- Connections: Hâ‚‚ inlet, air inlet, coolant ports, electrical terminals
- Appearance: Metallic rectangular box with end plates, manifolds, and cooling fins
Oakland University students used a 1.2 kW fuel cell system from Heliocentris Energy Systems Inc. for their hydrogen golf cart conversion. The system provides power to the vehicle's motor with a battery supplying additional power during high demand periods.
Note: Modern fuel cell stacks are compact enough to fit in the space of a traditional golf cart battery compartment, making retrofits feasible.
Real-World Fuel Cell Stack for Golf Carts
Figure 0.1: Realistic representation of a compact PEM fuel cell stack suitable for golf cart applications. The stack consists of 60-72 individual cells stacked in series to produce 48V DC output, with integrated manifolds for hydrogen, air, and coolant distribution.