Fuel cells are electrochemical energy conversion devices. Similar to batteries, they convert chemicals into electricity and heat. However, unlike alkaline and lithium batteries, fuel cells rely on hydrogen and oxygen for power. Another difference is that fuel cells never die as long as get enough hydrogen.
How a fuel cell works
A fuel cell consists of an electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes. Hydrogen enters on the anode side. Oxygen, or air, passes over the cathode side. The hydrogen atom, with the help of a catalyst, is split into a proton and an electron. The proton continues over to the cathode where it joins with oxygen to create water (H2O). The electrons from hydrogen are rerouted and used as electricity.
Benefits Fuel cells are efficient (about 50%), quiet, reliable, and clean. Using clean coal technology to produce hydrogen, fuel cells could set a path to help make the U.S. more energy independent. There are several steps to be made before fuel cell-powered vehicles become common. In 2003, the President set forth the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Initiative. This goal of this $1.2 billion program is to accelerate research and development for hydrogen delivery, storage, and fuel cell technologies.
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