The Hydrogen Fuel Cell

With the rise towards the use of alternative fuels, the country are pushing this trend specifically towards hydrogen fuels which are needed in order for hydrogen fuel cells to run. Here is an explanation into what a hydrogen fuel cell is so that you can gain a better understanding!

A fuel cell is a so called electrochemical energy conversion device. It works by converting hydrogen and oxygen, which are chemicals, into water. This process in turn then produces what we know as electricity. The most familiar electrochemical device we know of and use widley is the battery, which stores all of its chemicals inside, before being converted into electricity. Depending on what type of battery you have, once it eventually “goes dead”, you would then either recharge it with a charger, or just simply dispose of it as it is no longer of use, it has been depleted of ‘electricity’.

Fuel cells give out a constant flow of electricity as long as chemicals flow continuously into the cell. Hydrogen and oxygen are the chemicals most used in today’s fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells only emit water vapour, which is the greatest advantage to using it – no greenhouse gases here and what better way to save the environment!

There are many different types of hydrogen fuel cells, so this is something to think about when finding out about what they are, as there are other types of fuel cells that are in production. The main hydrogen fuel cell being produced is the Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell. (PEMFC). It gives off a high power density in relation to its low operating temperature (from 60 to a range of 80 degrees Celsius, that is 140 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit). This is a great advantage meaning that the fuel does not take much time to warm up before it begins to generate electricity.

Another promising hydrogen fuel cell for operating vehicles is the type known as the Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC). It is relatively good compared to a PEMFC in that it uses a low operating temperature, but it’s efficiency performance is not as favourable. The DMFC also requires huge amounts of platinum which acts as a catalyst, so this type of fuel cell is very expensive.

So the hydrogen fuel cell is all part of the new trend that has emerged in the technological field of produceing alternative fuels, to help our countries as well as aiding the environment. It is a fuel cell that burns cleanly and it also works efficiently. The supporters of alternative fuels have hoped for a cleaner, running fuel cell vehicle with safe emissions, and the hydrogen fuel cell offers that in abundance.

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