Fuel Cell Basics


BASICS and BENEFITS

 

BASICS
A fuel cell is a device, composed of an anode, an electrolyte membrane, and a cathode, that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction. First, hydrogen is passed through the anode which causes the hydrogen molecules to split. The molecules are split into electrons and protons. The electrons are pushed through a circuit, generating electricty. The protons pass through the electrolyte membrane. Oxygen is passed through the cathode where it is combined with the electrons and protons to produce the fuel cell’s byproducts: water and heat.


  • Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
  • Alkaline Fuel Cells
  • Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells
  • Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells
  • Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
  • Combined Heat and Power Fuel Cells
  • Regenerative or Reversible Fuel Cells


 

BENEFITS
Fuel cells do not have any moving parts causing them to operate almost silently.