Hydrogen fuel cell is a type of implement that converts chemical energy into electrical energy by means of a chemical reaction with oxygen or an oxidizing agent. It’s clean and fuel-flexible with low fuel consumption, yet giving better performance. Anything rich in hydrogen such as natural gas, hydrogen, ethanol, methanol, and gasified coal can serve as a source of fuel for this.

Benefits:

Such a cell generates power capable of running a mid-sized, light- weight car. Obviating the need for compressors,weighing just 300 lbs and with 8cft volume occupying less space, it is easily housed in the front of the car’s hood producing high quantum of power. Using non-petroleum fuel, it causes no pollution when burnt. Hydrogen power cells are used in space shuttles giving by-products-heat, water, nitrous dioxide, and other emissions which are reused for living and probe’s functioning. Fuel cell’s efficiency is generally between 40-60%-85% in most cases. Ultimately, it means low fuel and high efficiency.

Types and designs:

Hydrogen produced from the steam methane –a natural gas is the normal fuel; but for higher performance, hydrocarbons such as natural gas or alcohol like methanol would be better choice. The source of hydrogen defines the types.

But, the underlying working principle and design is no different. All cells have positive and negative terminals respectively called cathode and anode, and electrolyte for the current to pass through, similar to batteries. Hydrogen being the fuel in these types, the type is called hydrogen fuel cell types. Output voltage is 0.6V to 0.7V for a fully rated normal fuel cell, requiring stacking to get required higher voltage with consequent difference in sizes.

Fuel cells require uninterrupted fuel supply and air or oxygen to keep on the chemical reaction while in a battery,the chemicals present in the battery react with each other to produce and store electromotive force. Fuel cells can produce electricity continuously as long as the inputs continue.

About hydrogen energy:

High in energy, hydrogen is available in plenty in the universe as water (hydrogen plus oxygen) which could be separated by electrolysis. Natural gas (hydrogen plus carbon) which is also abundant could be separated by reforming process as hydrogen and carbon.

Fuel cell applications:

Hydrogen fuel cell is used as main and back- up power for industrial, commercial, residential buildings and remote locations. Further, their use extends to fuel vehicles, automobiles, boats, buses, submarines and two wheelers.

Aims:

Fuel cell’s : components and provisioning procedures are generally costly. They are to be brought down to be competitive.Also the various parts should be lightweight and compact in sizes for easy handling and transportation. Mass production would be better to achieve low cost and easy availability.

About the Author

How to Build Hydrogen Generator kit for autos / automotive? Hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen car, water powered car, run car on water and show you how to use water as fuel to save gas and increase mileage. For more information, visit - http://www.buildhydrogencar.com