What are fuel cells and how do they work?
Fuel cells have existed since the early days of electrochemistry with the first working cell being made in 1839 by Welsh physicist William Grove. The energy produced is derived from a conversion process through an electrochemical reaction where the reactants are consumed, by products are expelled and the heat may be released or consumed.
Related Links
Origins of fuel cells
The Smithsonian Institute has very detailed information on fuel cells including a history of their development from 1840-1965 linked from the Origins tab
The basics of fuel cells
Basic information on hydrogen in fuel cells from Fuel Cells 2000, part of the Breakthrough Technologies Institute (BTI), a non-profit educational organization promoting the development and early commercialization of fuel cells and related pollution-free, efficient energy generation, storage and utilization technologies and fuels.
Hydrogen Factsheets
Hydrogen factsheets from The National Hydrogen Association (NHA) a membership organization for information exchange and cooperative projects providing the setting for mutual support among industry, government, and research/academic organizations.
The RSC on fuel cells at the DTI Energy Challenge
The RSC's presentation at the DTI Energy Challenge, part of the Energy Review
Types of fuel cell
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) explores the different types of fuel cell including a comparison of advantages, disadvantages and efficiency.
A simple description of the workings of a fuel cell
A simple description from the NASA Glenn Research Center including diagrams and chemical equations
Fuel cells an animated description
An animated description of how fuel cell work from the US department of Energy
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