Hydrogen Fuel Cells, What are They?

There exist several alternative sources of energy. One of these alternative sources initially was intended for space programs but now, some studies are starting to consider it for automotive use. Hydrogen fuel cells are starting to gain much more attention in today’s times when there is a greater need for another energy source.

Hydrogen fuel cells are just like already existing batteries. A chemical reaction produces electricity and electrical charge. However, there is still a difference. You see, batteries depend on an internal chemical process which runs down as the chemicals are depleted. With a fuel cell, power is produced if the cell is continuously supplied with hydrogen and air (or oxygen). To determine how the fuel cells work, read on.

The cell’s size and hydrogen flow determines how much electricity is produced. When a chemical reaction occurs between air and hydrogen, three things are produced – heat, water, and electricity. Fuel cells have lower heat output as compared to other sources of energy like the fossil fuels. But, there are many advantages to using hydrogen fuel cells.

One obvious advantage is that fuel cells are clean since their byproducts are heat and water. These byproducts do not harm the environment. Fuel cells have higher efficiency rates that range from 45-53% as compared to gasoline with only 20% efficiency rate.

Whenever electricity is required, fuel cells can be used. The size of fuel cells is scalable. Fuel cells can therefore be created small enough to power an MP3 player or large enough to give a town all it's electrical power. Aside from providing electrical power to certain things, it can also supply the needed electrical power by automobiles.

At present, automobile manufacturers worldwide are looking at hydrogen fuel cells are an alternative to the combustion engines. There are many pictures of hydrogen powered vehicles online; if you want, you can check them out if you have the time. If ever hydrogen powered vehicles become a reality in the future, the dependency of many countries to petroleum will be reduced and pollution will be lowered.

Currently, fuel cells are installed in some neighborhoods and industrial buildings to provide electrical power. Within the next 50-100 years, hydrogen fuel cells will completely replace oil since they have broad social and commercial applications. Remote settlements can depend on fuel cells for power. Portable devices can also be provided with renewable power through the use of fuel cells.

On Stuart Island in the state of Washington there is an experimental program using fuel cells as a source of electricity. The Stuart Island Energy Initiative has created a closed-loop system using solar panels to power a system that separates hydrogen from water. The hydrogen is then stored in a 500 gallon tank at 200 PSI. The stored hydrogen is used to run a ReliOn fuel cell, which provides full electric power to the off-grid residence.

Countries from all over the world are looking for a clean and dependable energy source. With the continued support from the government and commercial establishments, the use of fuel cells will soon be a guaranteed success.

Hydrogen fuel cells are the wave of the future but there’s a consideration. In the manufacture of fuel cells, energy is needed and at present, fossil fuels serve as the basis of energy. Scientists and other experts are conducting studies and researches to find other ways to produce fuel cells safely. At the moment, fossil fuels are being used to produce the hydrogen fuel cells but hopefully, new sources of energy will be discovered to further improve their production.

Now that you know what hydrogen fuel cells are all about. The fuel cells are not mainly used for providing electricity because currently the auto manufactures are trying to manufacturer cars that are fueled by hydrogen.

If you want to keep abreast with the developments of hydrogen fuel cells, log on to the internet and you will be kept up to date. It is important to be well-informed.