What is a fuel cell?
A fuel cell is an environment friendly energy producing device that produces electricity through an electrochemical procedure using Hydrogen and Oxygen. Unlike natural fuels like petrol, diesel, gas which emit hazardous gases like oxides as by-products, fuel cells produce water and heat as by-products. Since there is no combustion, the process of generating electricity is more efficient than fuel burning. Also there is zero or very less air and noise pollution.
How do fuel cells work?
A fuel cell consists of two electrodes known as an anode catalyst and cathode catalyst, along with an electrolyte which is sandwiched between these electrodes. Hydrogen is passed over the anode electrode and oxygen is passed over the cathode electrode. With the help of the anode catalyst, the Hydrogen atoms get splits into proton and electrons. The electrons passes through the electric circuit to create electricity. The protons passes through the electrolyte and reach the catalyst and unites with the oxygen to form water. As long as Hydrogen and Oxygen are supplied to fuel cells, electricity can be constantly generated.
Applications of Fuel Cells
Fuel Cells can be used in many sectors. They are massively being used in automobile industry as an alternative source of energy to fuel the vehicles as the natural sources like petrol, diesel etc are getting exhausted. Fuel Cells can also be used in 24/7 sectors like banks, telecom industry etc where a constant supply of electricity is needed.
For more details visit these websites
www.fuelcells.org
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fuelcell.shtml
www.fuelcelltoday.com
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