The direct conversion of chemical potential energy to electrical energy in a single step means that fuel cells are highly efficient. With their potential for up to 65% electrical efficiency, AFCs have the scope to be the most efficient of all fuel cell types.
How an Alkaline Fuel Cell Works
An alkaline fuel cell is a device that converts oxygen (from the air) and hydrogen (from a supply) into electrical energy and heat. It’s chemically comparable to a battery that will provide electric power continuously, as long as you feed it with hydrogen and air. The only by-products are demineralised water and heat – both of which also have commercial uses. Excluding water, an alkaline fuel cell is a zero emission device.
One major component of all fuel cells is the electrolyte. An electrolyte is a solution that is able to conduct electricity. In an alkaline fuel cell the electrolyte is an alkaline liquid: in this case, potassium hydroxide also known as KOH. The presence of the hydroxyl ions travelling across the electrolyte allow a circuit to be made and electrical energy can be extracted.
