Hydrogen Fuel Cells:  What the Heck Are They?

Hydrogen fuel cells are indeed gaining much attention these days. Originally intended for space programs, they are now being considered for other uses.

Hydrogen fuel cells are similar to traditional batteries. A chemical reaction produces electricity and electrical charge. However, there's still a difference. With batteries, power is produced if the cell is continuously supplied with hydrogen.

How Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work 

The cell’s size and hydrogen flow determines the electricity produced. When a chemical reaction occurs between air and hydrogen, three things are produced namely – heat, water, and electricity. Fuel cells lower heat output as compared to other sources of energy like the fossil fuels.

But still, there are advantages to the use of hydrogen fuel cells.

Advantage #1

Fuel cells are clean since the by-products are heat and water. These by-products won't harm the environment. Fuel cells have efficiency rates ranging from 45-53% as compared to gasoline with an average of only 15% - 20% efficiency rate.

Advantage #2

It is said that Whenever electricity is required, you can use fuel cells instead. 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 needed electrical power.

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 petroleum since they have broad social and commercial applications. Remote settlements can now depend on fuel cells for power. Portable devices can also be provided with renewable power through the fuel cells.

Aside from providing electrical power, it can also supply the needed rotary power for vehicles.

Presently, auto manufacturers worldwide are looking at hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative to the combustion engines.

If vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells become a broad-scale reality in the near future, the dependency on petroleum will be reduced and pollution will be cut down drastically.