Frequently Asked Questions
Technology
Benefits
Cost
Operations
TECHNOLOGY
What is hydrogen fuel cell technology?
The world is on the verge of a dramatic change in the energy economy
that includes hydrogen. At the centre of this transformation is
the hydrogen fuel cell, an efficient way to turn a variety of
fuels into useable power with zero emissions.
The leading fuel cell technology for use in transportation applications
is the direct hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The
fuel cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Hydrogen
(which can be obtained from a variety of sources – see below)
is combined with oxygen (obtained from the air) in a fuel cell
to electrochemically primarily produce electricity, with some
heat and water as by-products.
Where does hydrogen come from?
BC Transit will be using hydrogen from hydro-electricty and recovered waste gas.
Hydrogen is an energy carrier and is produced from energy sources
such as: natural gas, coal, gasoline, methanol, or from renewable
sources such as biomass from bacteria or algae through photosynthesis;
or
by using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Most of the hydrogen used in North America today is produced
from natural gas. Renewable energy sources currently being used
for hydrogen production include hydroelectric, solar, wind, tidal,
biomass and geothermal energies.
Hydrogen can be stored, transported and used as needed, allowing
the introduction of renewable energy sources into the global energy
system.
Aren't there greenhouse gas emissions in
the production of hydrogen?
If hydrogen is produced from fossil fuel energy sources
such as natural gas, coal, gasoline or methane, carbon dioxide
is produced. To address this, work is being done on technologies
to capture and contain carbon dioxide at the source.
If hydrogen is made from a renewable energy source such as hydro-electric
power there are zero emissions.
Isn't hydrogen dangerous?
Hydrogen is no different from fuels that have high energy content
and, like most fuels already in daily use, hydrogen must be handled
properly to be safe. In general, hydrogen is no more or less hazardous
than gasoline, natural gas, propane, or methane.
As with any fuel, safe handling depends on knowledge of its particular
physical, chemical, and thermal properties and consideration of
safe ways to accommodate those properties. Hydrogen, handled with
this knowledge, is a safe and beneficial fuel.
Hydrogen is already safely produced, stored, transported, and
used in large volumes by industry following well-established practices.
These practices can be adopted in transportation uses of hydrogen
to attain the same level of routine safety.
Fuel cell buses that use hydrogen are designed and built to meet
necessary vehicle safety requirements.
What is the difference between hybrid and
pure fuel cell technology?
In a pure fuel cell vehicle, the fuel cell alone provides power
to operate the vehicle. Hybridizing fuel cell vehicles with electrical
energy storage (batteries, ultra capacitors) can have several
benefits - for example, enhancing fuel economy and capturing regenerative
braking energy. Hybrid technology is already in use with automobiles
using gasoline and electricity. BC Transit has been operating
hybrid buses that use diesel and electricity since 2005.
BENEFITS
What are the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell
transit buses?
Hydrogen fuel cell powered buses:
- produce no harmful emissions
- produce no smog-creating emissions
- produce no greenhouse gas emissions
- can be twice as energy efficient as conventional buses with
internal combustion engines
- can use a variety of fuel sources, including renewable fuel
sources such as hydro-electric power
- are much quieter than conventional buses.
What is the importance of hydrogen fuel
cells in public transit operations?
Public transit is already an environmentally responsible option,
efficiently moving people in urban communities. Hydrogen fuel
cells are a source of energy that produces zero emissions. Developing
hydrogen transit fleets will allow for even greater health, social
and environmental benefits than transit already provides.
Who benefits?
We all benefit as a zero-emission transit fleet will provide important
social, health and environmental benefits and, according to recent
studies, reduce health costs.
There are also economic benefits. Canadian innovation in hydrogen
and fuel cell research and development is recognized world-wide.
Canadian firms are positioned to capitalize on the market opportunities
that full scale commercialization of this technology will bring.
COST
How much for 20 buses?
BC Transit has engaged with industry for the supply of up to 20
hydrogen fuel cell buses. In August 2007 BC Transit awarded a
$46.4-million contract to build the world's first fleet of hydrogen
fuel cell buses.
New Flyer Industries of Winnipeg will be the manufacturer of
the 20 buses, with delivery by the end of 2009. The low-floor
buses will have a range of 500 km, a top speed of 90 km per hour
and a life expectancy of 20 years. The three main sub-contractors
on this bus fleet project are ISE Corporation of San Diego, which
is responsible for the hybrid drive system; Ballard Power Systems
of Burnaby, which will provide the fuel cell modules; and Dynetek
Industries of Calgary, which will work on the hydrogen storage
system.
The life cycle costs for fuel cell buses are expected to be lower
than existing internal combustion engine technology.
The hydrogen fuel cell buses are part of regular capital acquisitions
and will be part of regular service.
Is BC Transit alone in buying these vehicles?
BC Transit joins Europe, the United States, Korea, Japan, China
and Australia in pursuing the similar goals.
The Hydrogen Bus Alliance: www.hydrogenbusalliance.org
On October 5, 2006 representatives of the public transport companies
of London, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Berlin and Barcelona joined with
BC Transit to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate
and work together with regard to hydrogen powered buses. Perth,
(Western Australia), South Tyrol (Italy) and Cologne (Germany)
have subsequently joined the MOU.
This group will share information and knowledge on hydrogen
powered bus technologies and refueling infrastructure, planned
procurement programs and tender procedures, documentation and
evaluation. The Alliance is developing a strategy for joint activities
to bring hydrogen fuelled buses closer to commercialisation.
The Alliance continues to promote the expansion of its membership.
HyFLEET:CUTE: www.global-hydrogen-bus-platform.com/
HyFLEET:CUTE is a project bringing together 31 partners from
industry, government, academic and consulting organizations.
HyFLEET:CUTE involves the operation of 47 hydrogen-powered buses
in regular public transport service in 10 cities on three continents.
HyFLEET:CUTE has the largest demonstration project of fuel cell
buses to date and has carried 4 million passengers and travelled
850,000 kilometres over 2 years.
Why can't BC Transit just stick to its knitting
and offer better service and lower fares?
The money spent on this initiative will not take money away from
existing service or cause an increase in fares. Part of BC Transit's
mission is the reduction of harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
BC Transit has long been an innovator among Canadian and North
American urban transit systems and has been a leader in identifying
and adopting innovative technology and cleaner fuels to maximize
efficiency and reduce harmful emissions and greenhouse gases.
BC Transit was the first transit system in North America to adopt
low floor buses that are now an industry standard. And the first
to use double deck-buses for public transit use as well as Canada’s
first production hybrid buses.
Why do this now?
BC Transit is a leader in identifying and adopting innovative
technologies and cleaner fuels to maximize efficiency and reduce
harmful emissions and greenhouse gases.
BC Transit has been involved with fuel cell bus development and
testing since the early 1990s. Industry has recently confirmed
that fuel cell buses are now ready to meet the operational requirements
of BC Transit.
By introducing hydrogen fuel cell buses into its fleet now, BC
Transit is well positioned to address the operation of these buses
and to demonstrate the value that this technology can bring to
its operation, its riders and the public.
OPERATIONS
Can hydrogen buses operate in regular service
as well as current diesel buses?
Based on the experience of Europe and other jurisdictions, fuel cell
buses offer an improved and quieter ride that drivers, riders
and the public have embraced.
Do drivers need to be specially trained?
Transit drivers, mechanics and maintenance staff will be trained
for the operation of the fuel cell buses, just as with any other
new technology bus or new technology in a conventional bus design.
Where will they be used?
The buses will be part of the regular fleet in the Resort Municipality
of Whistler and showcased during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic
Winter Games. BC Transit's initiative to purchase hydrogen fuel cell
buses supports BC's commitment to a cleaner environment and in
meeting its clean air and climate change objectives, including
a reduction of greenhouse gases by 33% by 2020.
Where and when can I see one?
The first of the hydrogen fuel cell buses is expected to be operating
in 2008 in Victoria.
Meanwhile, there are five hydrogen fuel cell Ford cars operating
in BC, one of which is at BC Transit in Victoria.
