TPO 9 Integrated essay

In this set of material, both the reading and the speaker are talking about the fuel-cell engines. The reading states that, fuel-cell engines have several advantages over internal-combustion engines and will probably soon replace them. Conversely the professor says that, the reading is right about oil burning harms the environment but he casts doubts on what has been presented in the passage about the advantages of fuel -cell engines, and presents some evidence to refute them.

First, the reading states that, hydrogen can be derived from plentiful sources, and it cannot easily be depleted. However the professor says that, hydrogen is not easily available, and for using it in fuel-cell engines they should get hydrogen in liquid form. It is technically very difficult. Because, it's so difficult to produce hydrogen in cold weather.In addition they need to use cooling technique to produce the hydrogen.

Second, the reading claims that, hydrogen-based fuel cells are attractive because they will solve many of the world's pollution problems. But , the professor says that this will not solve the problem because they need to produce a pure hydrogen from the water by using purification technique by burning oil and coal. Indeed, a lot of pollution will take place.

Third, the reading argues that, fuel-cell engines will be competitive. Because, the people will spend less money to operate them than they will to operate an internal -combustion engine. However the professor says that, there is no saving of money, and they are expensive. Because, fuel-cell engines require platinum, which is very rare and expensive , hydrogen need platinum to produce electricity for auto mobile cars.