Abstract: The chapter presents a detailed description of various types of fuel cell technologies in the market. A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that produces electricity through a chemical reaction without combustion. Fuel cells operate in the reverse of electrolysis, with hydrogen and oxygen being combined to produce electricity, and reusable heat and water. There are several different types of fuel cells, but all comprise two electrodes—an anode where oxidation occurs and a cathode where reduction occurs—that are separated by a solid or liquid electrolyte. Electrochemical reactions at the anode and cathode, and the transport of ions in the electrolyte give rise to the flow of an electric current through an external circuit to drive a load. A fuel cell is much more efficient and cleaner than conventional energy sources because it converts the chemical energy of the fuel directly into electricity, without going through an intermediate combustion stage. There are several types of fuel cells such as alkaline fuel cells (AFC), proton exchange membrane fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, phosphoric acid fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells, regenerative fuel cells, carbon nanotube fuel cells, and proton ceramic fuel cells. The chapter compares advantages and disadvantages of the given fuel types. The chapter also describes the methods used for the storage of hydrogen and fuel processing systems, which converts hydrocarbon or other organic fuel to hydrogen at a temperature where humidity and purity level is determined by the type of fuel cell.
Publication Year: 2002
Publication Date: 2002-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 1
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