What is Fuel Cell Technology?

Fuel cell technology is an example of exciting renewable energy technology. By harnessing the power of the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, fuel cells create a reliable source of renewable energy with no dangerous byproducts.

A fuel cell is a device that generates electricity through a chemical reaction. Every fuel cell has two electrodes, the positive anode and the negative cathode, where the reactions that produce electricity occur. Fuel cells also include electrolytes, which carry electrically charged particles from one electrode to the other, and catalysts, which speed up the reactions.

Hydrogen is the basic fuel in these reactions, though some amount of oxygen is required. One of the best things about fuel cell technology is that it creates energy with very little pollution. In fact, the hydrogen and oxygen used in the reaction result in a harmless byproduct you’re probably familiar with—water.

It is important to note that one individual fuel cell doesn’t create all that much electricity. As a result, fuel cell “farms” are usually used to harvest electricity.

Basically, fuel is supplied to a fuel cell battery or stack, and methane from the fuel is internally reformed to create hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The spent fuel exits the anode and is consumed as it supplies oxygen and carbon dioxide to the cathode. The key and the result is the reaction that creates heat and water vapor exiting the cathode: this also produces electricity that is captured and stored.

One additional benefit of fuel cell plants is that the resulting heat of the equation can be used to maintain the heating and cooling needs of the power plant, as well as heating incoming fuel for the next round of the process.

Learn more at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s website.

What do you think about fuel cell technology?