FAKULTI SAINS GUNAAN

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

CAWANGAN SARAWAK

CHM271 – PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

CASE STUDY
Hydrogen-Powered Bus
GROUP : 3

CLASS : AS1202A

LECTURER : MADAM FIRUS MUSFIRAH BINTI POLI

DATE OF SUBMISSION : 6th July 2023

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Declaration of Academic Honesty

Academic honesty or academic integrity is a very important virtue that all students should
uphold at all times.

I declare that the lab report submitted is not plagiarised and is entirely my work and that no part
of it has been copied from any work produced by another person (s)/ source(s) or provided by
any other student(s).

I understand that issuing a false declaration can result in severe penalties and I am willing to
be penalized if any form of copying is found valid.

NO. FULL NAME STUDENT ID

1 Esma Hazreena binti Ismanto 2022858828

2 Miza Iwani binti Mohamad Mazuki 2022897442

3 Nurathirah binti Mohammad Arshad 2022462956

4 Nurul Izzaty binti Abdullah 2022842836

1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

No Title Page
1. Introduction 3
2. Background 4-5
3. Alternatives 6
4. Proposed Solution 7-8
(i) Benefits of Hydrogen-Powered Bus
5. Recommendations 9
6. References 10

2
INTRODUCTION

Air pollution is one of the pollutants with the most harmful impacts on the environment. The
phenomenon of global warming has led to the occurrence of natural disasters that threaten our
planet because of air pollution. This air pollution has become a global priority for dealing with
and controlling so that its level can be reduced. The issue of air pollution is emphasized by
the World Health Organization (WHO), which has taken various measures to tackle this issue.

The cause of environmental pollution is the use of polluting energy sources, such as diesel
and other fuels. The use of petrol and diesel fuel in transportation contributes to air and noise
pollution. Carbon monoxide emissions from motor vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and
buses have caused the air index to reach a level that threatens people's health today.
Therefore, we must encourage an environmentally friendly approach to technology and
systems to prevent the further spread of pollution.

By converting buses to hydrogen fuel cells, we can substantially reduce the carbon footprint
of the transportation industry and air pollution, which will be enabling nations and local
governments to meet their environmental aims.

A hydrogen bus is an electric bus that uses hydrogen as its fuel source to generate electricity
in order to power an electric motor, which in turn propels the axles. Unlike conventional
battery-powered electric vehicles, which must be charged using a plug-in charging system,
hydrogen fuel cell buses generate electricity onboard through a chemical reaction occurring
within the fuel cell stack.

3
BACKGROUND

As we are all aware, a bus is a large motor vehicle used to transport passengers often
along a fixed path according to the timetable. Compared to a regular car or van, a bus is a type
of road vehicle that can transport many more passengers. Although it is most frequently used
in public transportation, it is also sometimes utilized for charters or under private ownership.
The typical bus can accommodate between 30 and 100 passengers and certain buses may
accommodate up to 300 passengers. Midi buses and minibuses carry smaller loads, while
single-deck rigid buses are the most prevalent variety, with double-decker and articulated
buses that carry bigger loads. Bus drivers must have a special big vehicle license in several
states to allow them to drive the bus.

The history of the bus begins with Horse-drawn buses which first appeared in the 1820s,
then came steam buses in the 1830s, and finally electric trolleybuses in 1882. In 1895, the
first motor buses with internal combustion engines were put into service. Buses powered by
compressed natural gas or biodiesel are also becoming more popular in recent years, same too
buses using fuel cells, electric buses, and hybrid electric buses. Bus manufacturing has
become more globally standardized since the 2010s, with the same designs being used
everywhere.

Everything in this world has pros and cons of its own, and buses are not an exception.
The reduction of traffic congestion is one of the positive outcomes. This can be shown by the
fact that as more people take buses, fewer vehicles be on the road. Not only that, but it also
can reduce air pollution since less fuel is burnt. Daily commutes are responsible for 85% of
the greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Someone can avoid up to 20 pounds of
carbon dioxide emissions daily by leaving their vehicle at home. However, buses still have a
negative impact on both individuals and the environment since they use diesel fuel. Diesel
emissions can have a bad effect on health by producing poor air quality. When kids as well as
the elderly are exposed to diesel exhaust, they have a high potential to worsen existing heart
and lung disease and cause major health disorders including asthma and respiratory disease.
More than that, the production of ground-level ozone, which harms crops, trees, and other
plants, is also caused by the emissions from diesel engines. Acid rain is also produced, and it
has an impact on the land, lakes, and streams, as well as on the production of fish and meat,
entering the human food chain through the water. Property damage and decreased vision are
also caused by these emissions.

4
 Climate change has an impact on agriculture, weather patterns, sea levels, ecosystems,
and air and water quality. It is important to address climate change, increase the security of
our country's energy supply, and boost our economy by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions from diesel engines through increased fuel efficiency or idle reduction techniques
(IRTs). Idle Reduction Technologies (IRTs), which are placed on vehicles, use alternative
technology to cut down on the amount of time an engine is left idling. An IRT can be
added as an option on a new vehicle or as an addition to an existing vehicle.

The Revolution of Buses

5
ALTERNATIVES

To embark on an alternative to our project, it is crucial to begin with a clear vision and
purpose. We’ve identified the problems or needs that our project aims to address which to
reduce air pollution. We have done the research for our project to gain a comprehensive
understanding and the gaps that need to be filled.

There are some possible alternatives to our problems, one of them is to use a natural gas
or propane when doing backyards fire in the city. Numerous people’s health in the threat of
disease from the smoke from backyard fires, especially during periods of stagnant weather.
As we all know, cities have elevated levels of pollution compared to rural areas. By switching
to this option, you can reduce harmful air pollutants. Hearth and patio stores sell kits that
allow you to convert existing fire rings and pits to use propane or natural gas as fuel. This is
because, when propane burned, it emits lower levels of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide
which will reduce the air pollutants. But these alternatives were rejected when we done our
research. Converting fire rings or pits to natural gas or propane requires the expertise of a
professional which is a very hassle process to do. Additionally, utilizing this method costs a
lot of money because the kit is highly expensive. According to our study, the kit ranges in
price from $218.00 to $348.00 which is exorbitant.

Other than that, people should drive less, this means that by cutting down on the amount
of time you spend driving. Less emissions result from fewer miles driven. For instance, you
can use ride-sharing services, walk or bike whenever you can, take public transportation when
you can, or carpool with friends rather than driving alone. This can reduce the emission from
the transportation that you use. Although this concept is nice, it is not particularly useful. This
is due to the fact that only a little quantity of air pollution may be eliminated using this
strategy.

In addition to that, we also can use an electric vehicle such as electric cars like Tesla
Model S and Toyota Prius that offered working on electric current instead of gasoline, diesel
or petrol fuel. These cars use an electric motor driven by the electric current stored in the
lithium-ion battery. Electrical energy powers up the electric motor and the entire power
system of the car. These features make the cars environmentally friendly as it will produce no
pollution or emissions. However, the consumption of materials similar to lithium and cobalt
leads to environmental damage. Electric vehicles do not emit exhaust fumes and do not cause
air pollution, but the manufacture and disposal of EV batteries can lead to pollution and waste
of resources, which can have a significant impact on the environment.

6
PROPOSED SOLUTION

So, to reduce air pollution, we came up with one solution that can resolve this issues
which is hydrogen-powered bus. Hydrogen-powered buses have gained significant popularity
in recent years as a cleaner and more sustainable mode of transportation. Here's a paragraph
describing the alternatives of hydrogen-powered buses:

Hydrogen-powered buses provide a viable alternative by offering several advantages

compared to normal buses which more consume gasoline and diesel. Firstly, hydrogen-
powered buses, also known as fuel cell buses, produce zero emissions at the point of use.
These buses use hydrogen as a fuel source to power electric motors, which propel the vehicle.
Hydrogen is stored in onboard fuel cells, where it combines with oxygen from the air to
generate electricity, with water vapor being the only byproduct, reducing air pollution and
contributing to improved urban air quality. They rely on hydrogen stored, which can be
charged from renewable energy sources such as solar or fossil which natural gas, further
enhancing their environmental credentials. Additionally, hydrogen-powered buses are
generally more energy-efficient than normal buses, resulting in lower operating costs. They
also have lower maintenance requirements, as they have fewer moving parts which is only
have fuel cell electric vehicles emit none of these harmful substances—only water (H2O) and
warm air, compared to vehicles with internal combustion engines or fuel cells. Furthermore,
with the advancement of hydrogen technology, hydrogen-powered buses are becoming more
capable of achieving longer driving ranges with just a single tank of fuel and allowing for
extended service without compromising performance. One of our group members has
personal experience using the Kuching Hydrogen Bus, she said that the bus was awesome as
it was faster and produce less noise compared to the regular bus that we always use at
university. Overall, hydrogen-powered buses offer a sustainable and practical alternative to
normal buses, providing a cleaner and more efficient solution for public transportation
systems.

7
Benefits of hydrogen-powered bus

Hydrogen-powered buses offer several benefits that can positively impact communities
in various ways that can’t be rejected. One of them is that hydrogen-powered buses really
give the biggest impact environmental which helps produce zero tailpipe emissions, which
helps improve local air quality and reduce pollution in urban areas. By eliminating harmful
pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, these buses contribute to mitigating climate change
and creating healthier living environments for residents. Next, hydrogen-powered buses
operate quietly compared to traditional diesel or gasoline buses. The electric motors used in
these buses produce less noise, resulting in reduced traffic noise pollution. This can lead to a
quieter and more peaceful community, particularly in densely populated areas and near
schools, hospitals, and residential neighborhoods.

Not only that, using hydrogen-powered buses is part of the transition toward sustainable
transportation solutions. By utilizing hydrogen as a clean energy source, these buses help
diversify the energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This promotes a more
sustainable and resilient transportation system that is less susceptible to oil price fluctuations
and supply disruptions. Adopting hydrogen-powered buses also helps demonstrate a
commitment to clean and innovative technologies. Communities that embrace these buses
showcase their dedication to reducing environmental impact and becoming leaders in
sustainable transportation. This can attract investment, businesses, and individuals who value
sustainability, fostering economic growth and a positive image for the community. Besides
that, the deployment of hydrogen-powered buses can create job opportunities in various
sectors. These include manufacturing and maintenance of buses, hydrogen production and
distribution, fuel cell technology development, and infrastructure deployment. This can have
a positive impact on the local economy by promoting job growth and skills development.

Moreover, by introducing hydrogen-powered buses can raise awareness and educate the
public about clean energy alternatives. It provides an opportunity to engage the community in
discussions about sustainable transportation, renewable energy, and environmental
stewardship. This increased awareness can lead to a more informed and environmentally
conscious community.

Overall, hydrogen-powered buses contribute to cleaner air, reduced noise pollution,

sustainable transportation, economic growth, and community engagement. By embracing this
technology, communities can play a vital role in creating a more sustainable and livable
future.

8
RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommendations for hydrogen-powered buses are that the government should
provide more buses that are powered by hydrogen to implement green energy practices in the
state. As we all know, Sarawak is the first state to introduce hydrogen fuel cell buses in the
Southeast Asian region. Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) is an energy development and
vertically integrated power utility company with a vision to achieve sustainable growth and
prosperity for Sarawak. This company is the one who introduced hydrogen-powered buses in
Sarawak. The company could work with companies in other states to operate more hydrogen-
fueled buses in the country in order to alleviate concerns regarding air quality and traffic
congestion.

Hydrogen-powered buses have a lot of benefits but still, some society lacks knowledge
about it. To overcome this issue, the government should introduce and promote these buses
by holding a campaign and publicizing it on social media. By that, more people are exposed
to this knowledge and support this alternative in order to make our earth greener.

9
REFERENCES

1. Darshan Joshi (2023), Hydrogen vs Electric Cars: Which is Better for the Future? ,
Bacancy Technology.
https://www.bacancytechnology.com/blog/hydrogen-vs-electric-
cars#:~:text=Yes%2C%20hydrogen%20cars%20are%20way,a%20better%20option%
20to%20consider

2. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2022), What You Can Do to
Reduce Pollution from Vehicles and Engines.
https://www.epa.gov/transportation-air-pollution-and-climate-change/what-you-can-
do-reduce-pollution-vehicles-and

3. Nicolas Pocard (2017), 5 Key Benefits of Hydrogen Buses for Scandinavian Transit,
Ballard.
https://blog.ballard.com/5-key-benefits-of-hydrogen-buses-for-scandinavian-
transit#:~:text=Hydrogen%20powered%20buses%20aren't,two%20byproducts%20of
%20fuel%20cells.

4. Joshua Snyder (2023), How Green – and How Safe – is a Fleet of Hydrogen Fuel-
Cell Buses? , Drexel University.
https://drexel.edu/engineering/news-events/engineer-change/2023/March/snyder-
septa-hydrogen-fuel-
buses/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=facstaff#:~:tex
t=Integrated%20safety%20systems%20make%20the,lithium%2Dion%20battery%20
powered%20car.

10