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What is a fuel cell and how does it work?
What is a fuel cell and how does it work?
A fuel cell is a device that can convert hydrogen to usable electric power. The fuel cell is an assembly
A fuel cell is a device that can convert hydrogen to usable electric power. The fuel cell is an assembly
of advanced material layers where hydrogen and oxygen react with each other to generate electricity
of advanced material layers where hydrogen and oxygen react with each other to generate electricity
and water, without any combustion.
and water, without any combustion.
Electric Circuit
(40%-60% Efficiency)
e
e
e
Fuel H (Hydrogen)
2
e
e
e
2H
2
Used Fuel Recirculates
Flow Field Plate
Gas Diffusion Electrode (Anode)
Catalyst
Proton Exchange Membrane
e
e
O (Oxygen)
2
O
O
Heat
2
O
Air + Water Vapor
Flow Field Plate
Gas Diffusion Electrode (Cathode)
Catalyst
Serious interest in fuel cells did not begin until the 1960's, when they were used as power for man's
first missions to the moon. Although fuel cells still provide electricity and water for today's space
missions, this unique technology is now aimed at promoting a global transition to renewable energy
sources. Fuel cell cars that use hydrogen as fuel are called "zero emission vehicles." If fuel cell cars
were to use hydrogen produced by renewable sources of energy such as solar or wind power, our
fuel supply would be unlimited - and consumption of hydrogen through fuel cells would not create any
waste nor air pollution.
H-racer
Inside the
is a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell (see section 2, List of parts and
components - part E). It generates electrical energy by consuming hydrogen located in the on-board
hydrogen storage tank (see section 2, List of parts and components, part C), which reacts with
oxygen from the air. If you look underneath the chassis of your fully assembled
the fuel cell has air inlets that allow oxygen from our atmosphere to enter the fuel cell (Hydrogen
reaches the fuel cell from the opposite side). This fuel cell configuration is also called an
"air-breathing" hydrogen/air fuel cell, absorbing oxygen from the air - as if it was "breathing".
H-racer
, you will see
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