Fuel cells run on hydrogen, the simplest element and most plentiful gas in the universe. Hydrogen is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Each hydrogen molecule has two atoms of hydrogen, which accounts for the H 2 we often see. Hydrogen is the lightest element, with a density of 0.08988 grams per liter at standard pressure, yet it has the highest energy content per unit weight of all the fuels – 52,000 Btu/lb, or three times the energy of a pound of gasoline.
Hydrogen is never found alone on earth — it is always combined with other elements such as oxygen and carbon. Hydrogen can be extracted from virtually any hydrogen compound and is the ultimate clean energy carrier. It is safe to manufacture. And hydrogen’s chemical energy can be harnessed in pollution-free ways.
Originally posted 2008-12-22 00:10:28.
No related posts.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I know that one thing they’re using them for is car engines, although that’s still in it’s early phase. Please to note, though, you left out the fact that extracting hydrogen from it’s chemical friends is, as of yet, not energy efficient. This is the main downfall of hydrogen fuel cells. Currently, though, photoenzymes are being developed to solve this problem. Until then, though, fuel cells are not a good alternative energy source.
There are many types of fuel cells in development, but there are two types which are actually being used. Alkaline fuel cells are used in the space program, and have supplied onboard power and drinking water to spacecraft since the 1960’s. The other type getting the most current usage is phosphoric acid electolyte fuel cells. These are being used for stationary power applications, but you will only find them where the costliness of other options makes them cost-efficient.