How Fuel Cells Work

How Fuel Cells Work

1st –> Hydrogen fuel enters the cell at the anode, which is positively charged but negatively biased.

2nd –>Here, the Hydrogen splits and forms positively charged ions and negatively charged electrons.

3rd –>The Hydrogen elctrons are not able to go directly to the cathode, which is negatively charged, but positively biased. The electrons have to take a separate path to the cathode and this is how the electrical current is produced. The Hydrogen ions, however, are able to go directly to the cathode.

4th–> Electricity is produced and the Hydrogen ions combine with Oxygen and form a by-product of water and leaves the cell.

The picture below  shows a PEMFC , used in automobiles

SOFC

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells are known as SCFC

  • Fueled with natural gas, H2, CO, and  gases from coal
  • Electrolyte consists of non porous ceramic compound, solid oxide
  • Operates at high temperatures ~1000 degrees Celsius
  • Mainly used for utility applications
  • 50 – 60% efficiency

MCFC

Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell is known as MCFC

  • Fueled with Natural Gas, H2, and CO
  • Electrolyte consists of molten carbonate
  • Operates at ~ 650 degrees Celsius
  • General usages include, electrical utitlity, military and industrial applications
  • 50- 57% Efficiency

PAFC

Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells are known as PAFC

  • Fueled with Hydrogen processed Hydrocarbons
  • Electrolyte consists of concentrated phosphoric acid
  • Operates at ~200 degrees Celsius
  • Primarily used for Stationary applications
  • 40 – 47% Efficiency

PEMFC

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells, also referred to as Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells are known as PEMFC

  • Fueled with pure Hydrogen
  • Electrolyte consists of solid polymer
  • Electrodes contain platinum Catalyst
  • Operate at low temperatures ~ 80 degrees Celsius
  • Mainly used for Transportation purposes
  • 40- 47% Efficiency