Hydrogen Fuel Cells: A Comprehensive Primer

Hydrogen Fuel Cells - Clean, efficient, reliable, and cost effective, the future energy source must truly be hydrogen fuel cells. With all the commotion going on about the rising gas prices, green house gas emissions, public health, and the disappearance of non-reunable energy resources, hydrogen fuel cells seem to be the Holy Grail or the priceless jewel that will solve all our energy problems. Let's take a look at how hydrogen fuel cells work and the technology behind this amazing energy resource.

Energy Transformation Equation:

Nuclear Energy - Electrical Energy - Chemical Energy - Thermal Energy

The nuclear energy of hydrogen is transformed into electrical energy when the proton and electron of it is split (the electrons are the electrical energy). Electrical energy is transformed into chemical energy when protons and electrons reattach to form hydrogen. The hydrogen reacts with oxygen releasing thermal energy.

Operation of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell:

Hydrogen fuel is injected into the fuel cell facing the anode catalyst (attached to the proton exchange membrane). The proton of the hydrogen splits and passes through the catalyst into the proton exchange membrane. The electrons go through the external circuit reaching the other side of the membrane called the cathode catalyst. The protons inside the proton exchange membrane reattaches to their counterpart electrons forming hydrogen. Air from outside the fuel cell is circulated into the area where hydrogen is reformed. Chemical reactions occur between hydrogen and oxygen generates water vapour and heat.

History: