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Alternative Energy : Fuel Cells

 

What is a Fuel Cell? Technically speaking, a fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device. Simply stated a fuel cell is a device that efficiently and quietly generates electrical power.  Unlike power sources that rely on fossil fuels, such as coal or gas to operate, a fuel cell does not produce any heavy pollutants.  The only by-products from an operational fuel cell are heat and water.
The Science of the Fuel Cell It is highly likely that most people confidently believe that fuel cell technology is a relatively recent invention.  That notion would be quite wrong! In 1839 Sir. William Grove invented the first fuel cell. It seems that Sir. William understood that water could be split into hydrogen and oxygen by sending an electric current through it.  This is a process known as electrolysis.  He hypothesized that reversing the process would then produce electricity and water.  With that theory, he developed a primitive but fully  functional fuel cell that he named a gas voltaic battery.   This device proved Sr. William's hypothesis.  Following fifty more years of research and efforts to build a practical electricity producing model, two scientists, Ludwig Mond and Charles Langer coined the more descriptive term, "fuel cell."
How would a fuel cell work? Let's take a look!
Molten-carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) Suitable for large scale power production.
Molten carbonate fuel cells operate at extremely high temperatures of approximately 1,200°F (650°C).  The energy producing capability of these cells is based on a chemical reaction the use of an electrolyte compound that is composed of a molten carbonate salt mixture suspended in a porous, chemically inert ceramic matrix of beta-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE). Because MCFCs are inherently more efficient than other types of fuel cells, they offer a significantly lower operating cost for energy produced. Hence, Molten carbonate fuel cells are ideal for use in supplementing (regulated) natural gas and coal-based power plants for electrical utility, and industrial applications.  Molten carbonate fuel cells are also being developed for military applications. Typically, when you mention extremely high operating temperatures it is interpreted as a negative effect that must be dealt with at additional expense (such as cooling towers).  In the case of the MCFC however, the high temperatures actually produce higher levels of efficiency because that heat can be harnessed to accomplish other tasks such as spinning turbines, or even heating buildings.  The primary shortcoming of the Molten carbonate fuel cell technology is simply durability.  The components and materials do breakdown under the chemically corrosive effects which ultimately shortens the operational life of a fuel cell.  Scientists are constantly experimenting with newer materials and manufacturing techniques aimed at improving the efficiency and production life of this technology.
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) Also known as: Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Suitable for transportation applications. Electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), technology is being developed primarily for transportation applications.  This is also an appropriate technology for stationary or portable use. This is the technology targeted for cars, trucks and buses where safety is paramount.  Obviously a very important characteristic of this method of power generation is the much lower operating temperature and pressure range.  PEMFC has a high power density and a low operating temperature of between 140°F to 170°F.
Articles by: Dr. Von Zuko 2008©  (Illustrations U.S. Government)

Index:

• What is a Fuel Cell

• The Science of the Fuel Cell

• Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells

• Polymer Electrolyte Membrane FC

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