How do fuel cells work?
Origins
Hydrogen fuel cells are, in fact, not as new as you might think. Invented in 1838, first used commercially in 1932 and used in NASA space programmes since 1965.
What is a fuel cell?
A hydrogen fuel cell is an electro-chemical power generator that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, water and heat. The technology provides a clean and reliable alternative source of power in a growing number of applications.
How they work
A fuel cell converts the energy stored in hydrogen into useable power.
The fuel cell uses three main components: two electrodes called an anode and a cathode, and an ion conducting electrolyte. Ions are atoms with negative or positive charge.
There is also a fuel, usually hydrogen, and an oxidant, usually air. The anode is responsible for converting the hydrogen, the cathode for converting the air. The role of the ion conducting electrolyte is very important, as it allows ions to pass between the electrodes but not electrons. The electrons are instead forced to flow outside of the fuel cell – this movement of electrons is electricity.