What is fuel cell technology?
fuel cell technology is the use of fuel cells to produce electricity for power engines. Fuel cells are supplied in different types and each type can be used to power different types of objects such as transport vehicles or large generators. Fuel cell technology has come to the forefront of energy technology as an alternative source.
The fuel cell produces electricity by converting oxygen and hydrogen into water. By transmitting electrons contained in hydrogen to the cell, electricity is formed direct current and aims to the engine. One of the main advantages of using fuel cells to create electricity is that the processing of the process is only water and heat, while the use of fossil fuels for energy creates pollution and waste. Also, the fuel cell may not be charged if it has hydrogen and oxygen to turn energy but cannot store energy like a battery.
There are five main types of fuel cells: phosphoric acid, molten carbonate membrane, solid oxideK, alkalia and protons. Each type was used to power different objects and each has its own advantages and shortcomings for use in energy production. Research is still conducted about how best to use the energy produced and how to create cost -effective ways of using cells.
In the US at the age of 60, Apollo spacecraft created by the US National Air and Space Administration (NASA) to ensure energy, heat and water supply to the space crew. The alkaline fuel cell is the least expensive type of fuel cell technology and its efficiency is around 70 percent. Molten carbonate fuel cells are extremely high -temperature cells and new technology is developing for their application in power plants or for the power of cities or large factories. Since these cells can reach up to 1200 ° F (about 650 & deg; c), waste heat can be recycled for energy consumption.
phosphoric acidis used in fuel cell technology to power small generators in commercial buildings. It was also effective in powering larger vehicles such as buses. Fuel cells made of phosphoric acid were the first type to be used on a large commercial scale.
Fuel cells for replacing protons for proton exchange are useful for energy production in cars or houses. The lower amount of heat required for these fuel cells allows them to be used faster and are safer for use around other mechanical parts. However, the storage of sufficient hydrogen in a long -distance passenger car was an obstacle to the use of diaphragm cells to replace protons for fuel cell technology.
solid oxide fuel cells are another type of cells that work at high temperature and are used in large generators. These cell types are able to create a large amount of energy and are highly efficient. The disadvantage, however, is that the highlightThe window of the heat required to produce electricity requires that the company will insert many safety and operating shields, which can lead to added costs.
Fuel cell technology is still too expensive to function as an alternative or battery replacement in small electronics or devices. However, this technology still proceeds, especially as a supply of energy for vehicles. Government pressure and environmental agencies increased the motivation to reduce relying on fossil fuels and gas to supply Earth's energy, and many have turned to the technology of fuel cells for solutions.