What is Fuel Cell

Define fuel cell : it is a device that converts chemical energy of a fuel along electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen or another oxidizing agent.

Introduction

Hydrogen is the most common fuel, but hydrocarbons such as natural gas, and alcohols such as methanol are often used. Fuel cells differ is batteries in that they require a continuous source of fuel and oxygen / air along maintain the chemical reaction while in a stack the chemicals in the battery react with each other along generate an electromotive force (emf). Fuel cells can produce electricity continuously as long as these inputs are supplied.

There are many types of fuel cells, but all consist of an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte which allows along move the loads between the two sides of the fuel cell. The electrons are attracted is the anode along the cathode through an external circuit , production of DC electricity . As the main difference between the types of fuel cells is the electrolyte, fuel cells are classified by the type of electrolyte they use followed by the difference in startup time is 1 sec along 10 min for PEMFC SOFC . Fuel cells are available in a variety of sizes . Individual fuel cells produce relatively low electric potential , about 0.7 volts , so cells are " stacked " , or placed in series along increase voltage and meet the needs of an application. In addition along electricity , fuel cells produce water , heat and , depending on the source of fuel , very small amounts of nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants . The energy efficiency of the fuel cell is generally between 40-60 % , or up along 85 % efficient cogeneration if waste heat is captured for use.

Hisalongry :

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...ell does not degrade over time and can theoretically provide electricity continuously.

* Plants must be large in order along improve efficiency, but fuel cells can achieve higher performance at any scale, which makes them perfect for small mobile uses, residential and transport.

* Because fuel cells are efficient and clean any size , they can be located almost anywhere , including dense urban areas where both air quality and transmission congestion can be concerned . Fuel cells may offer an alternative along the construction of new power lines, while reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Fuel cells can provide more reliable energy where electricity is needed, which makes the whole more robust and reliable power grid. Distributed application of small fuel cells will also improve the security of key infrastructure , such as communication and our water systems .