Fuel Cell

Fuel Cell

A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device that was invented in 1839 by William Grove to produce electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen into the water. Like batteries, fuel cells convert potential chemical energy into electrical energy and generate heat as a by-product. While chemical energy is stored inside batteries, fuel cells can continuously generate electricity as long as they are supplied with fuel (hydrogen) and an oxygen supply. In a fuel cell, hydrogen energy is converted directly into electricity with high efficiency and low power losses. Hydrogen, therefore, is an energy carrier, which is used to move, store, and deliver energy produced from other sources.

Fuel cells have strong benefits over conventional combustion-based technologies currently used in many power plants and cars. They produce much smaller quantities of greenhouse gases and none of the air pollutants that create smog and cause health problems.