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How a Fuel Cell Works

Fuel cells produce electricity though an electrochemical process using hydrogen as fuel and oxygen from the air. The by-products of this reaction are heat and water vapor. There are several types of fuel cells. Altergy's products utilize the Proton Exchange Membrane or PEM fuel cell.

In the simplest terms, here is the process by which a PEM fuel cell produces electricity:

1. Hydrogen gas enters a fuel cell at the anode (negative cathode) where it attaches to a catalyst layer.

2. The catalyst facilitates the disassociation of the hydrogen gas into electrons and protons (hydrogen ions).

3. The protons are able to pass freely through the membrane—hence Proton Exchange Membrane...

4. ...while the electrons pass through an external circuit creating usable electricity.

5. After passing through the membrane the hydrogen protons with the help of a catalyst...

6. ...recombine with electrons and oxygen resulting in water vapor.

Hydrogen Energizes the Fuel Cell

Hydrogen, which derives its name from the water generated by its combustion, is currently used in oil refineries, chemical plants, food processing facilities, silicon wafer processing facilities in the hydrogenation of organic materials, as a reducing atmosphere, in oxyhydrogen torches, as rocket fuels, and as a fuel for fuel cells. Use of hydrogen-fueled fuel cells for transportation and electricity production would reduce pollution and increase the efficiency with which natural resources are used, leading us towards a sustainable energy future.

Click image to make larger* -------->

Hydrogen is:

A colorless, tasteless, odorless gaseous element.

The most abundant element in the universe, as it is an ingredient of water and many other substances.

The lightest known substance, being fourteen and a half times lighter than air, and over eleven thousand times lighter than water.

The bulk of hydrogen currently produced is from steam reformation of natural gas. Other processes -- such as electrolysis of water, ammonia dissociation, and hydrocarbon oxidation -- are used to produce hydrogen as well. Hydrogen is also produced by the action of acids (such as sulphuric) on metals such as zinc and iron.

* Image Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy