Students of engineering at the Swarthmore College, Alex Bell(right on the photo) and Andres Pacheco(left) have bulit a hydrogen fuel cell powered motorcycle. Powered by hydrogen, Cool! The motorcycle is built on the chassis of a Buell cyclone which was purchased at a salvage yard. In the original internal combustion form the engine served as a structural member. Therefore when the motor was removed a piece was designed to provide the structural support needed for the swingarm, frame, motor, and rear shock connection. The fuel cell is made by Ballard, which generate 1.2 kw power and is coupled with a 1.6hp electric motor. The pure hydrogen is stored in two Ergenics metal hydride cylinders which each can store about hold 900 std. liters of hydrogen. The inside of the cylinders are filled with a metal powder consisting of Lathnium, Nickel, and Aluminum. The metal reacts with hydrogen to form a hydride thereby storing large amounts of hydrogen at low pressure in a small volume. however, does need some heat." According to the report, after averaging in losses in propulsion, this motorcycle efficiency is expected to be 46%. If you have interest it, you can contact them at the bottom of this page.
