Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

ABSTRACT

Fuel cells are one of the clearest and most efficient technologies for generating electricity. A PEM fuel cell uses a simple chemical reaction to combine hydrogen and oxygen into water, producing electric current in the process. For those interested in the chemistry, it works something like electrolysis in reverse. Today cell powered golf carts, or personal utility vehicles are found in some parts of Southern California, as on efficient way to get around a neighborhood with minimum of air pollution. Recently, NASA used PEMFC’s to power on board electronics for the Gemini & Apollo spacecraft. In fact, NASA still uses PEMFC’s to provide electricity and water for its space shuttle missions. By using fuel cells there is a considerable reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide and harmful greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, therefore maintaining cleaner air to breathe. PEMFC’s reduce operating costs and preserve natural resources. The fuel cell possesses a potential to decentralize the power industry, protect the environment, provide low cost electricity and provide efficient power technology. These fuel cells are creating thousands of high quality jobs around the globe in the process.

INTRODUCTION

A 'Fuel Cell' is a device that converts chemical energy directly into electricity and heat. Fuel cells are one of the cleanest and most efficient technologies for generating electricity. A fuel cell produces electricity by means of an electrochemical reaction much like a battery. But there is an important difference. Rather than extracting the chemical reactants from the plates inside the cells, a fuel cell uses hydrogen fuel and oxygen extracted from the air to produce electricity. Unlike a battery, however, fuel cells never lose their charge. As long as there is a constant source of fuel - usually natural gas for the hydrogen and air for the oxygen- fuel cells will generate electricity. Since there is no combustion, there are none of the pollutants commonly produced by boilers and furnaces. For systems designed to consume hydrogen directly, the only products are electricity, water and heat.

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