Fuel Cell Types

By: EconomyWatch   Date: 30 April 2010

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What is a Fuel Cell?

Countries and scientists have been trying to find new ways to produce clean energy. Research and development programs in this area are receiving funds, especially those studying fuel cells.

Way back in 1838, it was Christian Friedrich Schonbein who propounded the principle of a fuel cell. Inspired by this, another scientist, Sir William Robert Grove, developed the first ever fuel cell in 1845. Certain contradictions emerged, however, regarding the actual date of the invention and some academicians believe the invention was completed by 1839.

A fuel cell is similar to a normal battery, but unlike a normal battery, a fuel cell delivers ‘green’ electrical energy. Fuel cells generate electrical energy through a chemical reaction of a fuel and an oxidant which is reacted in the presence of an electrolyte.

A fuel cell comprises an electrolyte surrounded by a positive and a negative electrode, called cathode and anode, respectively. Fuel in the device could be hydrogen and an oxidant such as oxygen. Both hydrogen and oxygen tend to react in the presence of an electrolyte, generating electricity. The speed of this reaction is enhanced with the help of a catalyst.

Categories of Fuel Cell Types

A single fuel cell emits only minimal electrical energy. In order to make a fuel cell produce more electrical energy, a definite number of fuel cells must be stacked together in a series. Researchers have also successfully developed a fuel cell system by incorporating a ‘fuel reformer.’ Within the fuel reformer, it is possible to extract hydrogen from almost any hydrocarbon source, whether natural gas, methane or gasoline for generating electrical energy.

Based on the electrical energy generated and the types of chemicals used as the fuel and the oxidant, fuel cells can be categorized into the following basic types:

  • alkali fuel cells (power capactiy:10 KW to 100 KW);
  • direct methanol fuel cell (power capacity: 100 KW to 1MW),
  • reformed methanol fuel cell (power: 5W to 100 KW):
  • direct ethanol fuel cell (power capacity: up to 140mW/ cm²);
  • molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) [power capacity: 100 MW],
  • phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC) [power capacity: up to 10 MW],
  • proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEM) [Power capacity:100W to 500 KW]
  • solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC)[Power capacity: Up to 100 MW].

A fuel cell can be used in electric vehicles, power plants and smart phones as well as for various portable charging applications. Worldwide, scientists are exploring ways to make fuel cell vehicles economically viable by 2020.


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