A hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction
using hydrogen and oxygen. In simplified terms it works like this: Hydrogen is
sent into one side of a proton exchange membrane. The hydrogen proton travels
through the membrane, while the electron enters an electrical circuit, creating
a DC electrical current. On the other side of the membrane, the proton and electron
are recombined and mixed with oxygen from room air, forming pure water.
Click to view animation that illustrates how Hyrogen
Fuel Cells work
Because there is no combustion in the process, there are
no other emissions, making fuel cells an extremely clean
and renewable source of electricity.
By combining the generating power of multiple PEM cartridges, our fuel cells
can be built to meet specific loads from under 500 Watts to 12 kilowatts.
There are different types of fuel cell technologies being
developed, and they are typically defined by the type of electrolyte
in use. Some technologies are good for base load generation
(powering a large building or industrial processes)on a continuous
basis. Others are better suited for smaller-scale applications
where the ability to start up rapidly or respond to a changing load is required.
Fuel Cell Type |
Operating Temp. (°C) |
Projected Efficiency |
Suitable Applications |
Alkaline (AFC) |
80-100 |
60% |
Space, Automotive |
Molten Carbonate (MCFC) |
600-650 |
45-60% |
Large Stationary |
Phosphoric Acid |
200-220 |
40-45% |
Large Stationary |
| Proton Exchange Membrane (PEMFC) |
70-80 |
35-45% |
Small Stationary, Automotive, Portable |
| Solid Oxide (SOFC) |
800-1000 |
50-65% |
Stationary, Automotive |
|
