An Overview Of Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Summary:
The hydrogen fuel cell is now a recognized option all over the world for its
number of uses. Here is given an overview of the device. Read and learn.

Nowadays focus is made more on using renewable sources and green
technologies. This has made the hydrogen fuel cell a well-liked choice among
those who desire to bring a great transformation in life.



Origin of hydrogen fuel cell:

The concept of H
2
fuel cell had been discovered in Germany in 1838.
And Sir William Robert Grove developed the very first functioning
device in the year 1843. It was almost forgotten when revived by
General Electric in 1950. Since then, the device has been improved
for better functioning. So, it can be said that the concept is years old
although the green technology is a new project.

Functioning of hydrogen fuel cell:

H
2
fuel cell functions similar to that of a battery. It comprises of 2
Electrodes including:

1 Cathode and
1 Anode

All these are divided via electrolyte membrane. Then oxygen (O
2
) and
hydrogen passes separately over these two electrodes respectively.

Once this is done, H
2
makes a reaction to catalyst on anode converting
it (hydrogen) to:

Negatively Charged Electrons (e-) and
Positively Charged Ions (H+)

Cells generating these electrons are utilized as electric current.
Hydrogen ions then pass all the way through the membrane to cathode
combining with electrons and oxygen to generate water. It differs
from the batter in a sense that continues to operate unless and until it
gets fuel. So, H
2
fuel cells are more efficient in comparison to
batteries.

Advantages of hydrogen fuel cell:

Fuel cell combines oxygen and hydrogen to generate electric energy,
water and heat as well. It offers the following benefits:

It produces no pollution
Utilizes non-petroleum fuel
Achieves (2-3) times higher fuel economy compared to
conventional engines

Additionally, it can also be used as a power source to run the vehicles.
Building a hydrogen generator (HHO) car, you can save huge amount
spent on petrol and diesel. Even you can see the engine running at a
faster pace but quietly.

Future:

Fuel cells generally function well on pure H
2.
However, other fuels such
as methanol, gasoline and even natural gas can even be restructured to
generate the gas required. In future, it is expected that hydrogen is
likely to connect with electricity as an important source of energy
carrier.

The function of energy carrier is to move as well as deliver the same to
consumers in utilizable form. For an instance: renewable sources of
energy viz wind and sun is unable to generate electricity all throughout
but they can generate hydrogen and electric current to be stored till it
is required. Best part is it can also be delivered to the areas wherein
needed.