Budny 10:00
R10
HYDROGEN FUEL CELL SYSTEMS: FULFILL ONE DREAM OR SAVE
MILLIONS?
Brian Davis (brd67@pitt.edu)
INTRODUCTION: THE DILEMMA
For the past several years, I have led a team at a large
engineering firm in the city of Detroit, Michigan. In recent
weeks, however, my supervisor has been nagging my team
and me incessantly about finding a way to approach
carmakers about an alternative form of power for
automobiles and persuade at least one company to hire us.
He is desperate to represent someone in the designing
processes of what he believes is the future of the automotive
industry. Specifically, my supervisor has been approaching
me, requesting that my team does extensive research on the
implementation of hydrogen fuel cell systems in
automobiles. Now do not get me wrong, it is quite the honor
to be granted this opportunity. At first, I was ecstatic
because personally, I truly am excited for the not-so-distant
future of the automotive industry, especially regarding the
discoveries of possible alternative forms of energy.
However, as remarkable as this technology is, as my team
began doing research, it quickly discovered the dangers that
go along with these systems, specifically the risk of
explosions in the event of car accidents. Immediately, I
alerted my boss, but shockingly to my surprise, he “advised”
that for the sake of the company’s progression and more
specifically, my job, I should put forth my best effort to “see
past” anything I come across that may be considered cause
for concern by carmakers. Recognizing my puzzled face, he
continued by offering me a fifteen percent commission from
any revenue.
Telling the Team
Conflicted, I returned to my team with this information.
While most of my coworkers were puzzled at what to do in
this situation, a few remained who accepted these new
orders without hesitancy and desired to move forward.
Despite the ease of doing just that, I’m still at a crossroads of
where to continue from here. Furthermore, I am aware of
several violations of a couple of codes of ethics, which my
supervisor has committed, as well as several more that he is
asking my team to break. While my team and I simply could
resume in the participation of this project, I fear the
repercussions down the road for the general public, any
other party who chooses to align itself with us, and
especially the status of my job and the effects of this choice
on my family. My team is fully aware of how this new
technology could make enormous contributions to the
automotive industry, but I simply cannot dismiss the
University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering 1
2013-10-29
negative implications acquired through my team’s research,
despite orders to do otherwise.
ADDING HYDROGEN TO THE MIX
Initially, when my coworkers and I began our research,
we were drawn to the amazing potential of hydrogen fuel
cells, especially with the attention brought to the
environmental influence of automobiles and their high
emissions. Many other ideas for reform and rethinking of the
car, down to the very means by which it is fueled, are under
consideration. To be specific, such revolutionary ideas have
been brought to the table such as the electric car, running
solely on a specialized battery; hybrids; as well as this less
mainstream concept in the form of a powertrain system
running on hydrogen-based fuel cells. Previously, liquid
hydrogen seemed to be the choice among engineers, but the
chances of its evaporation proved to be too high.
Groundbreaking, But Is It Safe?
Recently, however, this idea of cryo-compressed
hydrogen storage has come to light. This form reaches
temperatures as low as twenty Kelvin (K), in order to
maximize energy density. Also, in contrast to typical
pressures in liquid hydrogen storage, one-tenth a megapascal
(MPa), cryo-compressed hydrogen allows pressures ranging
from twenty-five to thirty-five MPa [1]. While hybrids and
electric cars over the past few years have begun to offer
alternative energy sources, this is one that creates virtually
no emission, something particularly valuable in the global
attempt at reducing pollution in the environment.
Specifically, the Polyjoule team from the University of
Nantes, which has been working on Polymer Electrolyte
Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, is boasting an efficiency of
thirty percent for an urban cycle against twenty-two percent
for diesel vehicles. A system running purely on hydrogen
eliminates all emissions from tank-to-wheel [2].
Furthermore, according to author and geologist, Mark
Crawford, “The mass production of fuel cell-powered
vehicles would change the face of transportation, and would
have a huge impact on reducing both the emissions
implicated in a global climate change and those that cause
local smog” [3]. Despite their use in stationary areas, fuel
cells truly have yet to break into the automotive industry due
to their history of high cost and lack in safety quality.
Unfortunately, that lack in safety quality still remains a very
significant issue.
Brian Davis
Get the Ball Rolling!
My supervisor, however, wants nothing of it. What he
does not see or hear, he does not know. He sees the
tremendous profitability of this project and landing a
partnership with a company like General Motors (GM) or
Ford. What he fails to recognize, though, is just how
dangerously and suddenly an accident may occur, who and
how such an event might affect, and the consequences for
those behind the product. Specifically, a process known as
modularization may come into effect, most likely if
hydrogen fuel cell systems ever take off, which brings in a
variety of parts manufacturers into the project, diversifying
where all the parts of a car originate [4].
FIGHTING THE FUTURE FIRE
Any cause for concern should immediately take priority
above all. While the sole concern really is release of
hydrogen from a car’s tank, any catalyst for this occurring
risks the chance of extreme boiling of hydrogen, resulting in
fire. The three main causes for hydrogen release are
overpressure, overheating, or physical impact. Overpressure,
specifically, is the least of our worries. It can result from
long-term, untreated evaporation of hydrogen or overfilling.
However, built-in safety precautions such as relief valves
make this much less likely to occur. The second main cause,
overheating, may lead to an increase in hydrogen’s
temperature beyond thirty-three K in a fire. However, such
an event is unlikely due to overheating alone because of the
functionality of safety relief valves. Physical impact, though,
is the most likely of the circumstances to occur due to the
unpredictability and high frequency of car crashes, more
likely than not due to human error. In a violent accident,
specifically, the onboard hydrogen tank could be completely
destroyed, possibly releasing the entire supply. Although this
is the most severe of cases, normally the tank at least would
be ruptured to the point it may crack and leak. While the
crack may seem small, the pressure’s ability to drop severely
in a short duration of time will bring it to atmospheric
pressure, which is well above hydrogen’s boiling point,
leading to a sudden and extreme rupture and release. The
possible disasters following such an event depend upon
whether there is instantaneous or continuous release [2].
FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 2 below outline both types of
conceivable reactions, respectively.
University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering 2
2013-10-29
FIGURE 1 [1]
Possible events to occur following instantaneous hydrogen
release
An event most likely not well known is the vapor cloud
explosion, which transpires after the accumulation of
hydrogen in an isolated area.
FIGURE 2 [1]
Possible events to occur following continuous hydrogen
release
To elaborate, direct ignition causes a jet fire. Otherwise, a
flash fire or an explosion will occur. While these events are
severely dangerous and may more so than not result in death,
they are not highly probable. My supervisor believes this
technology is too groundbreaking and with too much
potential to reduce emissions significantly from automobiles
and other motorized machinery. Even the least impactful
crash could provide a force of enough magnitude to puncture
the tank, though. The smallest of perforations in its wall
could cause a leak to develop.
Combat the Coming Catastrophe
In an effort to combat these issues, my team began
researching technologies to counteract the chances of a car
accident from occurring. Through recent advancements
made by Google, which has been developing autonomous
automobiles consisting of three main components: sensors,
software, and a mapping database. To be specific, a sensor
atop a typical car, is equipped with sixty-four pulsed lasers,
rotating ten times per second, and capturing 1.3 million
points to map the pathway of the car and its surroundings.
This allows foresight up to 165 feet ahead or other moving
vehicles or trees within 400 feet. In addition, a highresolution video camera detects traffic signals, pedestrians,
Brian Davis
bicyclists, etc. Also, moving obstacles’ positions are tracked
via Global Positioning System (GPS) in conjunction with an
inertial motion sensor. Specifically, Google’s unit, AI, even
goes as far as to map out local roads and construct streetlevel pictures of them [5]. With such an incredible new
technology at hand, the few members of my team, wishing
to continue with the project argue the point of using it jointly
with fuel cell systems. A driverless car, aware of all its
surroundings, built to avoid all possible surroundings and
simply to transport its passengers safely, virtually eliminates
all possibility for vehicular collisions, drastically lowering
the odds of a tank’s explosion taking place. Recently, these
self-driving cars already have been improving the lifestyles
of elderly drivers in Japan, which saw 4,411 road-related
deaths last year, with 2,264 people being the age of sixtyfive or older. Other automakers are in the process of
introducing self-driving cars, as well, including GM, but not
until 2020 [6]. With General Motors’ aim to begin producing
self-driving cars, as well, this leaves the possibility open
down the road. However, my supervisor wishes to begin
communications with a company such as GM as soon as
possible. I pleaded with him to wait until this autonomous
driving technology is fully developed and released so that an
alternative form of energy can be implemented into a
technology already mastered, but he impatiently wishes to
make this happen now. His frequent demands are asking me
to violate two codes of ethics alone, specifically, those of the
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
CONSULTING THE CODES
After reviewing both the NSPE and ASME codes
of ethics, two canons in both instantly alert me. As stated by
college professors Diane Michelfelder and Sharon A. Jones,
“Within the NSPE code, injunctions to be honest and
truthful appear both centrally and often. Of the six
fundamental canons, two directly and one indirectly enjoin
an engineer to be honest. By comparison, only one of the
fundamental canons demands that an engineer be loyal” [7].
When I think of the charges to be honest and truthful,
several canons come to mind. Specifically, both codes’ first
canons call me as a professional engineer to “hold
paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public” [8,
9]. The NSPE’s third canon, in fact, states: “Engineers shall
issue public statements only in an objective and truthful
manner” [8]. As an engineer, nothing excites me more than
being a part of bringing new technology to people, but as a
professional engineer, I am called to uphold the values and
manners outlined in these codes of ethics. Moreover, two
college faculty members at universities in Spain believe how
the most recent breed of engineering students are rather selfcentered and actually struggle to adhere to moral principles
[Engineering Ethics Beyond Engineers’ Ethics]. These are
values, which people should acknowledge and abide by
University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering 3
2013-10-29
anyway, but with the possibility of gaining a partnership
with GM or another major carmaker, plus the impression our
team can make on my boss and the exposure I can get for
our firm, is it worth seeing how far the entire project can go
before a terrible tragedy occurs? I can see how those few on
my team simply wish to push forward and make the best of
the situation because ultimately, when something goes
wrong, almost the entire blame will fall on my boss for
knowingly going through with this project.
The Shifty Supervisor
My boss simply cannot get past how groundbreaking this
could be for the firm, as well as the future of the automotive
industry. Despite the burden on my shoulders, he is violating
so many directives to my knowledge that moving forward
with this simply cannot be possible. For one, the NSPE
defines in its Rules of Practice the following: “Engineers
shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents
dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence,
nor to any plan or document not prepared under their
direction and control” [8]. To be specific, my supervisor
virtually removed himself from this project and told me only
to bring him information that he would want to hear, which
is negligence on his part. He plans to sign any contracts or
agreements necessary, completely overlooking the potential
harm. Furthermore, he continues to offer me a commission,
which violates the NSPE’s code of ethics, highlighting
deceptive acts, as well as conflicting interests and
compromised judgment, should I accept the offer. This
brings me to the ASME’s code of ethics: “Engineers shall
associate only with reputable persons or organizations” [9].
Specifically, before anything else escalates with my boss or
team, the thought crosses my mind of avoiding any moral
dilemma and not only withdrawing from the research, but
from my job, as well. In its final code, the ASME mentions:
“Engineers shall not seek ethical sanction against another
engineer unless there is good reason to do so under the
relevant codes, policies and procedures governing that
engineer’s ethical conduct” [9]. To explain, with all the
violations committed by my supervisor, I easily could report
him, and most likely face no punishment for my
involvement, however, by continuing with the project,
anyone else aware of the situation could report me in an
attempt to make a name for him or herself. Perhaps I need to
review what faculty members at the Delft University of
Technology have to say, which is: “Escape is a strategy in
which an agent tries to prevent moral overload by avoiding
choices… One way to deal with a moral dilemma is to look
for the option that is best all things considered” [10].
Brian Davis
CONCLUSION: THE BOYHOOD DREAM
OR EVERYONE ELSE’S
When I first wanted to become an engineer, I saw this as
a means of reaching my full God-given potential, and a way
to offer the skills I have acquired in my undergrad as a
means of improving the world. This job has been somewhat
a way for me to do that, but can I really put my career before
the well-beings of others? To think, perhaps through
capitalizing on my supervisor’s eager desire to get the ball
rolling with hydrogen fuel cells, I could take my career to
entirely new heights. My boss, in fact, handpicked me to
lead this project, nonetheless, an entire team! I recall the
days of my early childhood, gazing out my bedroom window
as so many different cars rolled by. My love and passion for
automobiles at a young age drove me to build model cars out
of paper. Much to their dismay, I would even ride these cars
around my parents’ house, complete with the plethora of
unique engine sounds and the obedience of traffic laws. This
moment could be the culmination of everyday I would strive
to build a better model, better precisely mirroring the
original than the last. To have my name go down in history
for changing the face of the automotive industry is a
boyhood dream truly having come to fruition. To have this
staring me dead in the face, how could I ever decline it? On
the flipside, how could I ever betray all the people whose
lives could be drastically altered or abruptly ended, simply
due to one person’s selfish choice? “According to Kant, you
have to decide by yourself what is right, neither consensus
nor dialogue is required at all, and to act on that decision
without hesitation. Reason always provides the only safe
guide to ethical behavior, whereas emotions and particular
circumstances should not interfere with principles” [11].
REFERENCES
[1] Z. Li, X. Pan, K. Sun, J. Ma. (2013). “Evaluation on the
harm effects of accidental releases from cryo-compressed
hydrogen tank for fuel cell cars.” Elsevier. (Online Article).
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.03.065.
[2] G. Wasselynck, B. Auvity, J. Olivier, D. Trichet, C.
Josset, P. Maindru. (2011). “Design and testing of a fuel cell
powertrain with energy constraints.” Elsevier. (Online
Article). DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2011.11.022
[3] M. Crawford. (2013). “Cars Without Combustion.”
Mechanical Engineering. (Online Article). URL:
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/delivery?sid=4ddd89484f4e-ad1d3b1f98a2905a%40sessionmgr115&vid=6&hid=112.
[4] T. Christensen. (2010). “Modularised eco-innovation in
the auto industry.” Elsevier. (Online Article). DOI:
10.1016/j.jclepro2010.09.015.
[5] A. Brown. (2011). “Google’s Autonomous Car Applies
Lessons Learned From Driverless Races.” Mechanical
University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering 4
2013-10-29
Engineering.
(Online
Article).
URL:
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?sid=336a9b2e-2aee4033-b688b92e1b5c3a81%40sessionmgr113&vid=4&hid=123&bdata=
JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=5848
8171.
[6] Y. Cho. (2013). “Self-Driving Car Demand Seen
Boosted by Japan’s Aging Population.” Bloomberg. (Online
Article). URL: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/201310-20/elderly-dying-in-crashes-seen-spurring-self-drivingcar-demand.html.
[7] D. Michelfelder, S. Jones. (2011). “Sustaining
Engineering Codes of Ethics for the Twenty-First Century.”
Springer. (Online Article). DOI: 10.1007/s11948-011-93102.
[8] (2007). “Code of Ethics for Engineers.” National Society
of Professional Engineers. (Online Article). URL:
http://www.nspe.org/resources/pdfs/Ethics/CodeofEthics/Co
de-2007-July.pdf.
[9] (2012). “Code of Ethics of Engineers.” American Society
of Mechanical Engineers. (Online Article). URL:
http://files.asme.org/asmeorg/governance/3675.pdf.
[10] J. Van den Hoven, G. Lokhorst, I. Van de Poel. (2011).
“Engineering and the Problem of Moral Overload.”
Springer. (Online Article). DOI: 10.1007/s11948-011-9277z.
[11] J. Basart, M. Seera. (2011). “Engineering Ethics
Beyond Engineers’ Ethics.” Springer. (Online Article). DOI:
10.1007/s11948-011-9293-z.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
For inspiring the knight in me to face my dragons, I
thank Dr. Dan Budny. For every time I have been and will
be knocked down, I thank my parents, relatives, and anyone
close to me who has helped me get at least this far by
sharing their wisdom and knowledge with me. I also
acknowledge my writing instructor, Barbara Edelman, for
her care and consideration for my efforts put forth into my
paper and for helping me maximize its potential.