A Fuel Cell
A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device that uses hydrogen or other fuels to produce electricity, water, and heat.
NASA has been relying on hydrogen fuel cells since the 1960s. Because they produce abundant electrical power while only emitting heat and water, fuels cells are ideal in a space shuttle environment. In fact, hydrogen fuel cells are so clean astronauts in space actually drink the water by-product. Just imagine what this technology can do for us here on earth.
A fuel cell operates much like a battery, but, unlike a battery, it doesn't consume electrode material or require electrical recharging. In fact, a fuel cell can generate power almost indefinitely, as long as fuel is supplied. Plus, a fuel cell can be scaled to power everything from cell phones to automobiles to entire buildings.
The Conversion Process
The basic structure of a fuel cell consists of an electrolyte layer in contact with an anode and a cathode.
Typically, fuel is fed continuously to the anode and an oxidant (e.g., oxygen from air) is fed continuously to the cathode. The electrolyte layer acts as a one-way door, allowing either positive or negative ions to travel across, but not electrons, forcing electrons to travel through the external circuit (electric current). This resulting electric current can be used to power electrical appliances.
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell
A hydrogen fuel cell electrochemically combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, water and heat. There are no other emissions. Different types of fuel cells use different electrolytes with different electrochemical reactions occurring, but the overall reaction is the same.
Science Terminology
- Anode: the negatively charged terminal of an energy cell or storage battery
- Cathode: the positively charged terminal of an energy cell or storage battery
- Proton: a positively charged hydrogen ion
- Electron: a negatively charged sub-atomic particle
- Electrolyte: a chemical compound that allows conduction of ions, but not electrons
- Electrochemical Conversion: an electrochemical process that converts chemical energy to electrical energy
Localized
Stationary Power
Fuel cells promise self-sufficiency at all levels with localized
stationary power.
The
Market Place
The global demand for fuel cells is projected to reach $2.6 trillion
by 2021. Read more about this remarkable economic opportunity.
Distributed
Generation Power
No more blackouts. Learn how hydrogen and fuel cell technology can
help us fill gaps in the grid.
:: Quick Facts
Fuel Cell Benefits
Clean
Fuel cells produce low or zero emissions.
Efficient
Fuel cells are highly efficient at converting fuel to electrical
energy. Plus, the heat produced as a by-product of that conversion process
can be used to generate even more energy or for area heating.
Quiet
Fuel cells are quiet, making them suitable for residential areas.
Small
A high power density means fuel cells are relatively compact.
Low Maintenance
While fuel cell systems usually have some moving parts, actual
fuel cells have no moving parts, making them more reliable, and less
costly to maintain than power sources that do.
Sustainable
Fuel cells can be powered by hydrogen, the most abundant element in the
universe. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of sources, including
fossil fuels, natural gas, methanol, and various renewable energy sources.
