Currently, there are constant searches through research and development of technologies in favor of environment, whether due to the public and its demand in the market, or out of real concern environmental. Regardless of the causes, it is very important that the planet is preserved, especially when related to the increase in the greenhouse effect and consequent global warming, which when rising, it generates acceleration in the desertification process, melting of the polar ice caps, floods in cities, loss of habitat for certain animals, among many others.
The hydrogen-based bus is one of the advances in science for the preservation of the environment, being a “clean” form of energy. They are quiet, comfortable and use the most abundant element on the planet, with the great advantage of releasing water vapor as a residue of energy production from it. This benefits the planet by decreasing the amount of polluting gases emitted (reducing pollution) and, therefore, reducing the greenhouse effect.
Brazil is one of the countries that has the hydrogen bus technology and was the first to build such a vehicle in Latin America. In addition, the Brazilian hydrogen-powered bus is the only one with hybrid technology, in which electricity is a second option.
Tests, experiments and the incorporation of new vehicles and hydrogen stations will be carried out until 2011 in São Paulo and involve several partners, to then be dispersed to other Brazilian cities.
The hydrogen-powered bus uses automotive fuel cell systems combined with batteries, which reduces vehicle weight and increases efficiency and efficiency in consumption. There is also energy storage in batteries, used when the bus needs more power. The bus holds about 60 people and is 12 meters long. The value of each vehicle is approximately 250 thousand reais and the estimated duration of the engine is 30 years.
By Giorgia Lay-Ang
Graduated in Biology
Brazil School Team
Ecology - Biology - Brazil School
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/biologia/Onibus-movido-hidrogenio.htm