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Overview of Fuel Cell Technology

Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel and oxidant. They do not need to be recharged and only emit water vapor as a byproduct. There are several types of fuel cells that use different fuels and electrolytes. In a typical fuel cell, hydrogen gas is oxidized at the anode to produce protons and electrons. The protons pass through the electrolyte to the cathode while the electrons power an external circuit. At the cathode, oxygen, protons, and electrons combine to form water. Fuel cells have many potential applications but also face challenges related to cost, fuel storage, and infrastructure that must still be addressed before widespread commercial use.

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5 views14 pages

Overview of Fuel Cell Technology

Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel and oxidant. They do not need to be recharged and only emit water vapor as a byproduct. There are several types of fuel cells that use different fuels and electrolytes. In a typical fuel cell, hydrogen gas is oxidized at the anode to produce protons and electrons. The protons pass through the electrolyte to the cathode while the electrons power an external circuit. At the cathode, oxygen, protons, and electrons combine to form water. Fuel cells have many potential applications but also face challenges related to cost, fuel storage, and infrastructure that must still be addressed before widespread commercial use.

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BY ALLEN DEARMOND AND LAUREN CUMMINGS

Generates electric power using a fuel and an


oxidant
Unlike a battery, chemicals are not stored in the
fuel cell; they must be replenished
Possible fuel sources: hydrogen,
alcohols, hydrocarbons,
gasoline
Possible oxidants: oxygen,
chlorine, chlorine dioxide
Refueling of an internal
combustion engine, efficient
and quiet like a battery

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM)


Fuel Cells
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Alkaline Fuel Cells
Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Regenerative Fuel Cells

Anode (-) and Cathode (+) on each side of the


fuel cell, divided by an electrolyte
Hydrogen gas is channeled through anode
side; oxygen passes through cathode
Platinum catalyst oxidizes hydrogen atoms
into H+ and electrons
Electrons pass along external circuit; conduct
electricity before entering cathode
Electrolyte allows H+ to pass into the cathode
In cathode, catalyst combines H+ , O2- and
electrons, forming H2O and heat

Anode:
2H2 => 4H+ + 4eCathode:
O2 + 4H+ + 4e- => 2H2O
Net Reaction:
2H2 + O2 => 2H2O
Exact opposite of electrolysis

Catalyst: increases rate of reaction without


being consumed in the process
Platinum is main catalyst used in PEM fuel
cells
Platinum is expensive and highly sensitive
to poisoning
New platinum/ruthenium catalysts being
researched for use in hydrogen fuel cells
Reaction requires lower temperatures and
high humidity and pressure

Little-to-no pollution, doesnt need to be


recharged
2500 fuel cell systems have been installed
globally
Used to power landfills and water treatment
plants
50 fuel cell buses
Every major automotive manufacturer has
designed a fuel cell-powered vehicle
Mercedes-Benz projects 40% efficiency in
compact cars running on Hydrogen fuel cells
Hydrogen Fuel Initiative (2003)

Fuel cells require specific humidity,


pressure, etc.
Catalysts are pricey and sensitive to
poisoning
Difficult to produce hydrogen
Difficult to store optimum amounts of
Hydrogen
If fuels other than hydrogen are used,
some greenhouse gasses are emitted
Very few cars currently running on
hydrogen

Used to power personal electronic devices:


cell phones, iPods, laptops
Enough energy to run for days, or weeks
(instead of hours)
Potentially power all cars, airplanes, ships, etc.
60 million tons of carbon dioxide could be
eliminated from yearly greenhouse gas
production
Development of cheaper and more reliable
catalysts
Higher demand = cheaper

Economic crisis has greatly slowed


technological advancements
Past predictions for 2010 seem unlikely
Hydrogen cannot be the only alternative
fuel source to solve the energy crisis
Many more years of research before
mass production will be possible

Hydrogen fuel cells are efficient, and


clean
Also expensive, and require specific
humidity, temperature, pressure
With more technological advancements,
could be used in mass production for
various applications
Not an instant fix for the energy crisis,
but definitely a major component

Basic Elements: Fuel for the Future. Miramar High School.


3 March 2009. <[Link]
215/energy/fuel_cells/fuel_cells.htm>
Fuel Cells. Princeton University. 3 March 2009.
<[Link]
m333/2002/spring/FuelCells/>
Fuel Cells. U.S. Department of Energy. 9 March 2009.
<[Link]
elcells/fc_types.html>
[Link] United States Government. 10 March
2009. <[Link]
Nice, Karim and Jonathan Strickland. How Fuel Cells
Work. 18 September 2000. How Stuff [Link].
<[Link] 3 March
2009>.

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