FAQ

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that produces electricity efficiently, silently and without combustion. Hydrogen fuel (which can be obtained from water or from hydrocarbon sources such as natural gas, methanol or petroleum products) is combined with oxygen (from the air) to produce electrical energy. Unlike a conventional engine, it does this without burning the fuel and can therefore be more efficient and cleaner.

There are a number of types of fuel cell which are normally distinguished by the electrolyte they contain. The best-known types are alkaline, molten carbonate, phosphoric acid, proton exchange membrane, solid oxide and direct methanol fuel cells. Vehicles commonly use a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Other types of fuel cells can be used for stationary sources that generate heat and electricity for buildings.

Since fuel cells are produced in small numbers, they tend to be more expensive compared to other conventional technologies. The cost of the available unit is approximately $3,000/kW. However, as technology improves and more units are installed, costs will continue to decrease and will be significantly lower by the end of this decade than they are now. Price projections vary among fuel cell developers, but the goal is to cut costs to as low as $400 per kilowatt by the end of this decade.

Fuel Cells achieve high fuel efficiencies and produce extremely low emissions. Fuel cells can operate on a wide variety of fuels. Moreover, since they utilize electrochemical reactions for power production, they contain no moving parts. These features make them simple to operate, quiet and very reliable.

Policymakers are interested in fuel cells because they could potentially lead to significant societal benefits. Fuel cells could help significantly reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Further, if hydrogen were produced using domestic energy supplies, it could help reduce dependence on imported petroleum.

Also, fuel cells could be used to improve the efficiency and reliability of electricity generation.

Fuel cells are a flexible technology with a broad range of potential applications from small electronic devices to passenger cars to large electronic power plants. Fuel cell systems are ideal in remote locations where connection to the grid is difficult or expensive. In this application using a fuel cell system can offset the need to build new power lines.

Fuel cells and batteries are similar in that they both deliver electrical power from a chemical reaction. In a battery, the chemical reactants are stored within the battery; they are used up during the reaction and the battery must be recharged or thrown away. In a fuel cell, the reactants (fuels) are stored externally, so it will keep producing electricity as long as fuel is supplied. In short, a fuel cell vehicle is refueled instead of recharged.