How do fuel cells work?

How Fuel Cells Work. Fuel cells work like batteries, but they do not run down or need recharging. They produce electricity and heat as long as fuel is supplied. A fuel cell consists of two electrodes—a negative electrode (or anode) and a positive electrode (or cathode)—sandwiched around an electrolyte.

What is the substance used in fuel cell?

Hydrogen is the basic fuel, but fuel cells also require oxygen. One great appeal of fuel cells is that they generate electricity with very little pollution–much of the hydrogen and oxygen used in generating electricity ultimately combine to form a harmless byproduct, namely water.

How does a Pemfc work?

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) uses a water-based, acidic polymer membrane as its electrolyte, with platinum-based electrodes. The protons pass through the membrane to the cathode side of the cell while the electrons travel in an external circuit, generating the electrical output of the cell.

What are fuel cells and how do they work?

A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of a fuel (often hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (often oxygen) into electricity through a pair of redox reactions. Fuel cells are different from most batteries in requiring a continuous source of fuel and oxygen (usually from air)…

How does a fuel cell produce electricity?

Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction, known as reverse electrolysis. This reaction combines hydrogen and oxygen to form water vapor, heat and electricity.

What is a fuel-cell and how does it work?

If you want to be technical about it, a fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device . A fuel cell converts the chemicals hydrogen and oxygen into water, and in the process it produces electricity. The other electrochemical device that we are all familiar with is the battery.

What is a hydrogen fuel cell and how does it work?

Hydrogen fuel cell. A hydrogen fuel cell is the main source of energy in a hydrogen fuel engine and works like a battery. There is a membrane situated in the middle of the cathode and anode. Hydrogen breaks down when it hits this membrane through a chemical reaction that makes negatively charged electrons and positively charged hydrogen ions.